Bang phli: A vocational school teacher, known as "Tae Achiwa," orchestrated a sting operation that led to the arrest of four Indian men connected to illegal activities, including loan sharking and collecting protection money.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Akkarawut Buranaphan, also known as "Tae Achiwa," along with the Thai Mai Tonn (Thai People Don't Tolerate) group, initiated an investigation on August 27, 2026. The probe centered on an Indian national selling ice cream from a motorcycle in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Collaborating with the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) of Samut Prakan Province and the Bang Phli Police Station's investigative unit, they inspected a community in Moo 3, Bang Chalong Subdistrict.
During the inspection, officers discovered a group of Indian men selling ice cream from motorcycles. The men were questioned about their documents and immigration status, revealing that four individuals had violated immigration laws. Subsequently, officers from Bang Phli Police Station arrested and detained them for legal proceedings. The arrested individuals included Mr. Rahul Maddheshiya, Mr. Yadav Shashank, Mr. Rahul Gupta, and Mr. Chandra Prakash Yadav, all facing charges related to working without permission and overstaying their permits, in violation of Section 81 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
Alongside the arrests, the investigation delved into allegations of illegal moneylending by foreign nationals. A victim reported borrowing 5,000 baht, which ballooned to 20,000 baht due to missed payments. The loan, structured with daily payments, imposed a cycle of debt accumulation and high interest rates, reportedly ranging from 20-30 percent. Victims expressed fears of legal action being nullified by alleged bribes to officials, though these claims remain under investigation.
The discovery of mysterious coupons, potentially linked to monthly payments, has prompted officials to explore their origins and connections to potential bribes. Authorities are tasked with tracing financial transactions and identifying involved parties to ascertain any wrongdoing.
Mr. Akkarawut emphasized that the operation followed complaints from locals about foreigners working illegally and engaging in illicit moneylending. The Thai group intends to oversee the police investigation, focusing on the network facilitating illegal employment and accommodations for these individuals. If evidence of corruption is found, the group pledges to pursue legal action.