Warning: A bus owner was scammed by a fraudster impersonating a municipality official, selling diesel and losing 15,000 baht before fleeing.
At 12:30 p.m. on 22 March 2026, a reporter received a complaint from Ms. Wariya, 38, a bus rental owner, who said a well-dressed man claiming to be an official from Bang Bua Thong Municipality offered to supply diesel. Trusting him and needing diesel at the time, she agreed to buy 500 liters at 30 baht per liter, paying 15,000 baht in cash before the man absconded.
Ms. Wariya explained that on 20 March, while standing by her bus, a well-dressed man approached, introducing himself as a Bang Bua Thong municipal officer. He said he had about 600 liters of diesel and would sell it at 30 baht per liter. Finding him credible and needing diesel to transport customers out of town amid scarcity, she decided to buy from him.
He then took her to Bang Bua Thong Municipality and had her wait downstairs. Shortly after, he returned saying she needed to pay immediately so he could settle with his superior. She paid him 15,000 baht in cash, after which he exited through the back door.
Later, an official asked her what she was there for. She said she was waiting to buy diesel from a municipal officer. Suspicious, the official showed her CCTV footage revealing the man leaving and taking a taxi, confirming the scam. She then filed a police report at Bang Bua Thong Police Station.
Ms. Wariya added she feels sorry for her partner who works hard to earn money but was deceived by a fraudster exploiting the current fuel shortage to scam people. She urged the government to urgently address the ongoing fuel issues and show compassion for those who genuinely need fuel.