According to arrest warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court, an investigating team apprehended two suspects, identified only as Mr. Varintorn, 30, and Mr. Pattanachai, 27. They were accused of conspiring to look for work abroad without permission, conspiring to deceive people by making false employment-related promises, and conspiring to commit fraud.
Although Mr. Varintorn and Mr. Pattanachai had founded a private tour company, it is alleged that they honed in on illegal immigrants by falsely advertising on social media that they could get them a work visa. They would demand an advance processing cost of 30,000–100,000 baht from applicants. More than 80 people said they trusted the procedure but were duped after paying the money but receiving no work permit or visa.
Mr. Varintorn and Mr. Pattanachai allegedly denied, dodged, and even sued some of the victims for false reports and defamation when the victims attempted to request a refund. However, the victims came together in a sizable number and alerted the appropriate authorities, who were then given the go-ahead to issue the arrest warrants.
The suspects have maintained their innocence and denial of involvement throughout the inquiry. Additionally, according to Mr. Varintorn’s criminal history, he has already been the subject of two arrest warrants on related allegations.
Laem Chabang Police officers traveled with Mr. Varintorn and Mr. Pattanachai to Chonburi in order to detain them pending further legal action. As of the time of publication, it was unknown if the suspects had hired a lawyer or submitted a bail application.
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PHOTO TPN
