When you think of call centre scams, you probably imagine fake loan offers or phishing messages. But in Bangkok, police uncovered something way bigger scammers mixed with drugs, gold laundering, and a luxury hotel hideout.
The Arrest in Chatuchak
On September 23, police stormed a luxury hotel in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Inside, they caught three scammers red-handed. What did they find? Over 1,000 methamphetamine tablets, better known in Thailand as Yaba. This wasn’t your everyday scam bust it was a full-blown crime cocktail.
How the Scam Worked
So how did these crooks pull it off? Investigators first noticed suspicious money transfers. Two victims from Phaya Thai and Bang Pho areas had a whopping 4.5 million baht drained from their accounts. The money didn’t stay put it was moved to a corporate account, then flipped into gold via a trading app.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Step | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 1 | Victims’ money stolen from bank accounts |
| 2 | Funds moved into a fake corporate account |
| 3 | Money converted into gold via app |
| 4 | Suspects collected the gold at Yaowarat Road |
Police tailed two women who showed up at a gold shop, which eventually led them straight to the hotel suite.
Meet the Ringleader
The alleged mastermind? A 30-year-old Thai man named Krittaphat. Funny enough, he claimed he just wanted a job at a loan company but ended up “managing mule accounts” for a scam syndicate. Each member earned between 10,000–50,000 baht per month, plus free food, a room, and shockingly drugs.
The Yaba Twist
During the raid, police found not just cash evidence but piles of Yaba. Krittaphat insisted it was all for personal use, saying he downed 10 pills a day. Cops didn’t buy that story. With a stash that size, it’s clear the gang was likely pushing drugs on the side.
Conclusion
This case shows just how far scam operations can go. They’re no longer just about fake calls they’ve evolved into money laundering, gold flipping, and drug dealing. Bangkok police may have stopped this group, but it’s a reminder: always stay sharp when it comes to strange phone calls, money transfers, or too-good-to-be-true offers.