Several individuals involved in the Nice Day Travel Ponzi scheme have been sentenced to five years in prison each for money laundering tied to a fraudulent juice wholesale and tourist accommodation business, involving over 157.8 million baht.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched an investigation, designated as Special Case 38/2560, after allegations surfaced against Nice Day Travel Co., Ltd., and six associates. The group was accused of deceiving the public through LINE advertisements, claiming to be involved in wholesale juice sales under the Ivy brand, providing tourist accommodations, and selling dolls to tourists. They lured investors with promises of returns up to 240% per year, despite having no legitimate business generating such income. The scheme resulted in 98 victims losing over 99 million baht.
The Court of Appeals ordered Nice Day Travel Co., Ltd., the primary defendant, to pay a 49-million-baht fine. The second through sixth defendants were sentenced to 490 years in prison each for fraudulently borrowing money from the public, with the total prison term capped at 20 years. The court also mandated that the defendants collectively compensate the victims for the unpaid amounts, plus 15% interest per year from the loan date. This ruling marks the final verdict in the case.
Money Laundering Charges
The DSI also pursued money laundering charges against three individuals, in a case designated Special Case 50/2561. The defendants—Prinya, Jiratha (also known as Fai), and Wichai—were involved in laundering money by receiving 117 transfers totaling over 157.8 million baht, which they used to purchase various assets. The Civil Court had already ruled on the related assets, and the Criminal Court sentenced each defendant to 10 years in prison. However, their sentences were reduced to five years due to confessions.
The DSI has warned that those involved in Ponzi schemes face severe penalties, including long prison terms and criminal charges for money laundering. The Office of Anti-Money Laundering may also seize their assets.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Woranan Srilam, Director of the DSI’s Financial Crime Division, emphasized that offenders risk not only losing their wealth but also causing hardship to their families, as reported by KhaoSod.
