Several villagers are severely affected and have united to file complaints, claiming they were defrauded by a "wealthy investor," who is the father of a famous influencer, in a loan scheme with unpaid rice sale payments, resulting in losses approaching 100 million baht.
The issue has gained attention on social media after victims, who are villagers from Buriram province, gathered to seek help from "Or Phairat." They claim they were deceived by a wealthy investor, owner of a rice mill in Buriram, causing total damages amounting to several million baht.
Mrs. Phonsuda, 52, from Buriram, recounted that in 2019 she needed 400,000 baht for family expenses. She got to know the investor's wife, as they were from the same village. She was advised to pledge her land title deed of 1 rai and 6 square wah. The investor arranged for her to go to the land department to transfer ownership into his name first. After the transfer, she was told to wait for the money. She received transfers of 10,000 baht at a time and was paid a total of 120,000 baht. Years passed until 2023 when she spoke with the investor's wife about returning the deed if the loan was not approved. The reply was that if she wanted it back, she would have to pursue it herself through the enforcement department.
Additionally, the investor's wife borrowed a vehicle for one month, promising to pay in installments. They even delivered the car to her, but she disappeared with it. Now, they don't know where the car is, yet they still have to pay the finance. Also, there is 60,000 baht that she borrowed, which they lent because they considered her a neighbor. Mrs. Phonsuda concluded, "Where did all the money taken from the villagers go? Everyone is suffering the same."
Mr. Nantawat, 46, from Buriram, revealed that in 2021 he operated a mobile sound system business and wanted to expand, requiring a budget of millions. He sold paddy rice to the investor and got acquainted. The investor asked him to use his land title deed to apply for an SME project but had to transfer ownership to the investor's name. Later, he found out the project was not approved, but the investor remained silent. When he asked about the deed, he was told it was at the rice mill and then ignored. Later, he learned the deed was with another investor in Surin province, who had mortgaged it for 1.2 million baht with interest of 300,000 baht, totaling 1.5 million baht.
Mr. Sombat, 53, village headman of Lakhet, Buriram, said that in 2022 he sold rice and became acquainted with this investor. The investor offered to buy rice at 16.50 baht per kilogram, higher than elsewhere. After selling, he would issue a bill first and pay later. He recommended relatives to sell rice here. In 2023, he sold more than 10 tons of rice with relatives and received bills but no payment. When asking, he was continuously delayed. In 2026, he filed a complaint and sought help from Or Phairat. His losses amounted to about 240,000 baht, with relatives' losses nearly 1 million baht.
Or Phairat stated that many villagers from Buriram came forward after believing they were defrauded by a wealthy investor, who is the father of a famous influencer, using various methods. These included buying paddy rice at prices higher than others but failing to pay after purchase, claiming the rice would be used for government projects. The matter has been ongoing for years, with villagers filing complaints at various police stations in Buriram, but the cases remain unresolved. There are also issues of land mortgages and vehicle borrowing scams. Total damages approach 100 million baht, severely affecting many families. The villagers have petitioned for justice and hope authorities will intervene.
However, if the wealthy investor, father of the famous influencer, issues a statement, it will be reported accordingly.