In a significant bust by Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division, a couple has been arrested for defrauding a wealthy woman of over 21 million baht in Yala province. Kanpathitcha, 36, and Ammarin, 46, were taken into custody at their home in Samut Prakan, located in central Thailand, after being linked to a scam that spanned five years.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was a millionaire embroiled in a legal custody battle with her ex-husband. Seizing the opportunity, the couple approached her, offering to help with the legal proceedings. They claimed to have connections with lawyers and organizations that could assist.
To manipulate the victim, they fabricated a story, telling her that she was wanted for a crime, instilling enough fear to keep her confined to her home. This control allowed the couple to manage every aspect of her life and continue demanding money under the guise of legal expenses. Between 2019 and 2023, the victim transferred more than 21 million baht to the couple.
The victim eventually grew suspicious when the legal process dragged on for years. She took the documents provided by the couple to court for verification, only to discover that they were all forged. Shocked, she filed a formal complaint against the couple at Betong Police Station.
Further investigation revealed that Kanpathitcha and Ammarin had also targeted other wealthy individuals in similar scams. After fleeing Yala, the couple was tracked to their home in Samut Prakan, where they were arrested.
Kanpathitcha admitted to accepting the money, claiming it was a loan for an investment, and that she intended to return it. Ammarin, however, denied all the accusations, asserting that neither he nor his wife took money from the victim.
The couple has been charged under Section 341 of the Criminal Law for defrauding the victim by making false claims and withholding critical information. This offense carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.