Police arrested a couple for allegedly defrauding a victim of 380 million baht by supplying fake Buddha amulets.
According to police sources, Thanapol, a Buddha amulet trader in Nakhon Sawan, and his wife Amornrat were arrested in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai at 11 p.m. on Saturday for fraud. They were wanted under arrest warrants issued in Nakhon Sawan and Nonthaburi provinces in March and April.
As police transported the couple from Chiang Rai to the Muang Nakhon Sawan police station in Nakhon Sawan, a businessman who identified himself only as Boonyuen demanded that the couple return either his Buddha amulets or the 380 million baht he paid for them. He claimed that Thanapol had borrowed money from him and pledged amulets, which were later discovered to be fake.
After negotiating repayment, both parties agreed that Thanapol would sell Boonyuen’s 564 Buddha amulets, valued at 380 million baht. However, Thanapol allegedly gave Boonyuen 38 cheques worth 10 million baht each, all of which bounced. The suspects then fled.
On Saturday, Thanapol admitted to his wrongdoing but refused to discuss repayment or the return of the Buddha amulets, stating that he would testify in court.
photo These Buddha amulets were photographed when a 380-million-bath trade deal was signed with the suspect. (Photo: Chalit Poomruang)
