Victims filed complaints with the CIB after realizing the individual, who had invited them to invest in the beauty clinic, lacked any medical education or a valid medical license. The impostor was identified as 25-year-old Panatphum. CIB officers found that Panatphum not only ran his own clinic but also worked part-time at several other beauty clinics in Bangkok. He frequently introduced himself as an expert in facial surgery to business partners and others.
Once the victims learned of his fraudulent activities, they were unable to recover their investments, totaling 3 million baht. Additionally, the beauty clinics that employed Panatphum suffered reputational damage and lost the trust of their clients. After his deception was exposed, Panatphum went into hiding to avoid his victims and evade arrest. However, CIB officers tracked him down to a luxury condominium in Bangkok, where they raided his residence.
Panatphum has since been transferred to Wang Thong Lang Police Station for legal proceedings. He faces charges under three sections of the law:
- Section 342 of the Criminal Law: Fraud, with a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
- Section 26 of the Medical Profession Act: Practicing medicine without a license, with a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
- Section 28 of the Medical Profession Act: Falsely claiming professional medical status, with a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
According to Channel 7, Panatphum held only a high school diploma and had not pursued any medical courses.
