Cyber police raided and arrested a fake dentist after receiving a tip about an illegal fashion braces shop in Surat Thani province. The operation had been running for six months, offering customers package options, with most clients being teenagers. The suspect earned an average monthly income of 30,000–50,000 baht.
On 10 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thinkorn Rangmat, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, together with Pol. Maj. Gen. Arut Saengchan, Deputy Commander, ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Komkrit Sukthai, Commander of Division 5, Pol. Col. Bancha Srisuk, Deputy Commander of Division 5, Pol. Col. Ekavee Pongsroiphet, Deputy Commander of Division 5, Pol. Col. Nattawut Chomchoei, Deputy Commander of Division 5, Pol. Col. Thapakorn Numas, Deputy Commander of Division 5, Pol. Col. Sutthichai Thianpho, Chief of Unit 3, Division 5, Pol. Lt. Col. Phatchapon Meenuansin, Deputy Chief of Unit 3, Division 5, Pol. Lt. Col. Pathompong Mee-yoo, Deputy Chief of Unit 3, Division 5, Pol. Lt. Col. Theerawat Somsiri, Inspector of Unit 3, Division 5, and public health officials from Surat Thani province, to conduct the operation.
They led a raid on a house in Village No. 4, Lamphun Subdistrict, Ban Na San District, Surat Thani, arresting Ms. Ariya, also known as Mint, 29, a Surat Thani resident. Authorities seized evidence including one mobile phone and 19 dental tools and devices used for braces.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thinkorn Rangmat said the arrest followed an investigation by Unit 3, Division 5, after coordination with public health officials in Surat Thani. Consumer complaints reported online advertisements for dental services via Facebook and Line accounts named “Yim Suay,” posting photos promoting fashion braces. This operation likely constituted practicing dentistry without a license.
Since orthodontic treatment is a licensed dental procedure that must be performed by certified dentists, receiving services from unqualified or unauthorized persons risks oral health dangers such as loose teeth, gum inflammation, infection, and long-term tooth damage. Authorities conducted the raid and confiscated all related evidence.
Initially, Ms. Ariya admitted to operating an illegal fashion braces service for six months, purchasing dental equipment from a well-known online platform. Customers could choose packages priced at 500 or 1,000 baht based on equipment quality. Most customers were teenagers, and her monthly income averaged 30,000–50,000 baht.
She was charged with “operating a medical facility without a license (illegal fashion braces clinic)” under Section 16 of the Medical Facilities Act 1998, and “practicing dentistry without being a licensed professional” under Section 28 of the Dental Profession Act 1994. She was handed over to the Ban Na San Police Station for further legal proceedings.