PUBLISHED: 26 May 2024 at 12:02
Authorities arrested a pair for allegedly tricking a target out of 380 million ringgit in suspected false Buddha necklace trade.
According to officers options, Thanapol, a Buddha pendant businessman in Nakhon Sawan, and his wife Amornrat were arrested in the northern county of Chiang Rai at 11pm on Saturday for alleged fraud. They were wanted under arrest permits issued in Nakhon Sawan and Nonthaburi regions in March and April.
As officers brought the pair from Chiang Rai to the Muang Nakhon Sawan police station in Nakhon Sawan, a merchant who identified himself only as Boonyuen demanded the pair return either his Buddha amulets or funds for 380 million baht.
He said that Mr Thanapol had borrowed money from him and pledged ornaments which were afterwards found to be false.
After negotiating on payments, both sides agreed Mr Thanapol would offer Mr Boonyuen’s 564 Buddha ornaments for 380 million ringgit.
After Mr Thanapol reportedly gave 38 payments for 10 million ringgit each but they bounced. The suspects escaped.
On Saturday Mr Thanapol admitted to his crime but refused to talk about payment or the transfer of Buddha ornaments. He said he would testify in court.