Chiang Rai: A young couple was arrested for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to solicit donations for temple renovations, deceiving victims out of over 200,000 baht. Pol. Maj. Gen. Jiravat Phuyungtham, Acting Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, led the operation to apprehend Ms. Pannita, aged 21, and Mr. Nantaphop, aged 25. The arrest was made following a warrant issued by the Chiang Rai Provincial Court on October 30, 2024, charging them with impersonation and fraud, including inserting false data into computer systems.
According to Thai News Agency, the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) uncovered a criminal group soliciting donations for the Wihan Luang Lai Kham temple, which was damaged by fire. The suspects falsely claimed to represent the temple committee, posting messages on Facebook to invite donations. The investigation revealed that the bank account used for the donations was under Ms. Pannita’s name, with no actual ties to the temple. Surveillance showed Ms. Pannita
withdrawing funds from ATMs in Phichit and Nakhon Sawan provinces, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant and their subsequent capture.
Both suspects confessed to the crime, admitting they used the funds for personal expenses and would close and reopen donation pages if victims discovered the scam. Further investigations revealed that they also solicited donations through a Facebook group for a 3-year-old cancer patient and hospitalized monks, using Ms. Pannita’s bank account for transactions. The fraudulent activities resulted in a cumulative loss exceeding 200,000 baht.