The Crime Suppression Division dismantled the "Ngern Boon" gang, arresting 11 suspects who defrauded victims by promising a 1 million baht return on a 1,000 baht investment. Authorities seized assets worth over 250 million baht and uncovered money circulation exceeding 600 million baht. The scam falsely invoked royal projects and used LINE groups to pressure victims into endless repeated transfers.
On 3 Feb 2025 GMT+7, at the press briefing room on the 2nd floor of the Crime Suppression Division headquarters, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the division, together with Pol. Col. Suriyasak Jirawat, chief of Division 3, and Pol. Lt. Col. Watthan San Net-han, investigator of Division 3, announced the arrest of a fraud ring operating under the "Ngern Boon" project. Raids were conducted at 11 locations across five provinces: Maha Sarakham, Sing Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Surat Thani, resulting in 11 arrests.
The suspects include Ms. Pornpan, 40, the gang leader; Mrs. Kanjana, 57, her right-hand person; Ms. Jirawadee, 56; Ms. Supakorn, 49; Mrs. Thanyamon, 64; Mr. Nathsak, 56; Mrs. Pranee, 44; Mrs. Lamyai, 59; Mrs. Worawit, 62; Mrs. Jiraporn, 65; and Mr. Patchavee, 39. All are wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on charges of "collaborative fraud against the public, collaborative fraudulent loan borrowing, knowingly inputting false data into computer systems, and conspiracy with two or more persons to commit money laundering."
Authorities confiscated numerous items including 4 cars, 1 motorcycle, 22 land title deeds, 3 semi-automatic pistols, 21 mobile phones, 110 bank passbooks, 12 ATM cards, gold jewelry, and other assets totaling 206 items, with an estimated total value of approximately 250 million baht.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak revealed that at the end of 2024, many victims, mostly from the northeastern region, reported to investigators at Division 3 after being deceived into investing in the so-called "Ngern Boon" project, which promised unusually high returns under the premise "invest 1,000 baht, get back 1,000,000 baht."
The gang established credibility by falsely claiming affiliation with royal projects and major state initiatives. They used various tactics to lure victims into transferring money, but failed to pay returns when due, causing victims to lose significant amounts, with some losing everything they had.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak added that upon receiving reports, he ordered Pol. Col. Suriyasak Jirawat to lead the investigation, which uncovered a well-organized network dividing roles systematically. The gang primarily used the LINE app, creating a group named "Ngern Boon Investment," frequently opening and closing the group and changing its name. Inside, they held voice and text meetings to pressure and urge members to continually transfer money.
Pol. Col. Suriyasak stated the suspects, led by Ms. Pornpan and with Mrs. Kanjana as second-in-command, falsely claimed that the Thai government had deposited vast funds at the World Bank that were about to expire. They warned that if action was not taken quickly, the funds would be lost. The scheme purportedly raised capital to cover expenses liaising with key agencies such as the International Court of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Thai courts. In return, investors were promised high returns—such as investing 1,000 baht to receive 1 million baht. After paying returns, the remaining funds were said to be invested by the government in electric trains and public utilities improvements.
They used urgent phrases like "urgent work, confidential work, helping seniors," with conditions stating that failure to transfer money would result in loss of rights or no repayment. Doubters were removed from the group or blocked immediately. The gang also launched "new promotions" to trick victims into making endless additional payments.
Investigations revealed the gang targeted elderly and retired government officials with life savings, causing many victims to lose millions of baht. In reality, no investments occurred; all money was circulated within the network and used for personal expenses or converted into assets.
Financial tracing found the suspects' money flow exceeded 600 million baht. Reported damages so far amount to over 6.5 million baht, with about 30 additional victims filing reports, totaling damages exceeding 50 million baht. Authorities believe more victims will continue to come forward.
Pol. Col. Suriyasak said that after gathering all evidence, the Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the entire gang. Subsequently, officers conducted raids and arrested all 11 suspects.
During interrogation, Ms. Pornpan admitted having previously worked with a similar fraud ring before leaving to establish her own operation. Mrs. Kanjana said she was recruited by Ms. Pornpan. Most suspects confessed, though some denied charges. One ringleader stated involvement since 2008 and continuous evolution of the fraud scheme. All suspects were handed to investigators at Division 3 for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Tim (a pseudonym), one of the victims, said she joined the scheme after being invited by an acquaintance who had participated before. She invested about 400,000 baht. She trusted the scheme because it falsely invoked names of high-ranking individuals and respected figures, lending it an appearance of credibility.