The National Police Chief has ordered urgent arrests of a gang running illegal loan apps linked to the tragic case of a mother and two children found dead in a Pathum Thani residence. Some suspects have been preliminarily identified. Authorities also warned the public to be cautious of scammers who fraudulently demand money transfers as a precondition for loan approval.
On 7 October 2026, Police Major General Siriwat Deepho, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, stated that Police General Samran Nualma, the National Police Chief, has ordered Provincial Police Region 1 and the Technology Crime Suppression Division to urgently investigate and apprehend a gang of fraudsters involved in the distressing case of a mother and her children found dead in a home in Pathum Thani. Evidence indicates that the criminals created a loan application to scam victims into transferring money. It is believed many more victims exist. The public is warned not to trust fraudsters claiming they require money transfers before loan disbursement.
The police spokesperson explained that investigations revealed the victims had filed an online police complaint on 29 September 2026 after being defrauded in a loan scam. They had encountered a Facebook page, then added a LINE contact to join a group, where personal data was submitted and a loan amount approved. However, the scammers demanded an upfront payment, claiming it was the first installment. The perpetrators also instructed the victims to read a text aloud for voice recording, then falsely claimed errors requiring additional payments as fines.
Convinced it was a scam, the victims filed a complaint through the Royal Thai Police's online reporting system, reporting losses totaling 1,980 baht. Subsequently, investigators at Muang Pathum Thani Police Station took over the case, contacted the victims, and scheduled meetings for further information and evidence collection. However, the tragic incident occurred before these meetings could take place.
The National Police Chief has directed cyber police and Provincial Police Region 1 to promptly gather evidence and apprehend the perpetrators for prosecution, emphasizing these offenders worsen the plight of already distressed individuals. Although the financial loss in this case is small, it caused significant distress leading to the tragic event. Police have traced financial transactions and identified some suspects and will intensify investigations to dismantle the entire criminal network.
Police Major General Siriwat added a warning to the public to be cautious of scammers disguised as loan app providers who use advertising to deceive, steal personal information, intimidate, or demand payments before loan approval. Legitimate lenders never charge any fees before approval. To safely use loan apps, users must verify them first. Authorized applications must have licenses from the Bank of Thailand, which can be verified on the Bank of Thailand's website www.bot.or.th under the “Check Loan Apps” feature.
If anyone encounters suspicious individuals or websites potentially involved in online scams or becomes a victim of such fraud, they can report tips or request assistance via the AOC hotline at 1441 or file complaints online anytime at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th.