Police respond to consumer complaints against ‘Mae Tuck ’ and direct-sales group
PUBLISHED: 9 Oct 2024 at 20:50
Authorities are stepping up their research into a feared net business scam that involves recruiting celebrities to offer as goods participants.
The situation is causing a stir on social media after media outlet Kanchai “Noom” Kamnerdploy hinted at a controversy surrounding a well-known direct sales business that has reportedly been using best Thai stars as presenters to build a system and promote people on dreams of investment opportunities.
Some persons apparently failed to receive what was promised or advertised.
In reply, Pol Lt Gen Akkaradej Pimolsri, associate federal police captain, said on Wednesday that federal police chief Kitrat Phanphet had assigned him to handle two big cases.
One is an alleged gold scam run by Kornkanok “Mae Tuck ” Suwannabut and her husband Kanpol “Pa Bia” Rueng-aram. The various issues The Icon Group, a direct selling company that has used famous stars to bring in the community.
The CPPD this year impounded luxury cars for 120 million owned by Mae Tuck and Pa Bia, who are accused of fraud.
Pol Lt Gen Akkaradej said he had ordered the Consumer Protection Police Division ( CPPD ) to set up a centre to receive complaints from victims.
Regarding the presence of stars, he said an investigation may be carried out to determine their functions, with legal action taken if suitable.
The virtual organization in question focuses on health supplementation products, and attributes well-known professionals and artists such as Yuranunt “Sam” Pamornmontri, Kan Kantathavorn and Pechaya “Min” Wattanamontree.
The organization in issue registered with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board in 2019 as a direct selling company. In 2020 it applied for membership as a strong sales business but the request was denied, said Jitipat Boonsom, chairman of the department overseeing marketing at the OCPB.
Since 2020, 15 people have filed concerns, claiming they invested in materials from the business but were unable to buy them, Mr Jitipat said.
The Office does evaluate whether the adverts of influencers were exaggerated or false, he added.
In may even withdraw the prize given to Icon CEO Waratphon “Paul” Waratvorakul on Consumer Protection Day in 2022 if any transgressions are discovered, he added.
Pol Maj Gen Atthasit Sudsanguan, deputy chief of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB ), said his investigators were also on the case and hinted that many celebrities might be prosecuted.