Suspect, 59, arrested at train station over online scam linking mule account

A suspect was arrested at a train station as his bank account was linked to online fraud in Thailand.

The man, named Pichet, 59, allegedly lent his bank account to suspected fraudsters in exchange for 2,000 baht.

Police tracked him down at Bangkok's central train terminal on Wednesday, following investigations into online scammers who allegedly defrauded pensioners of their life savings through bogus investments.

Footage shows cops moving in to arrest Pichet, seen wearing a red shirt, as he was exiting the train station. He was visibly stunned, but agreed to surrender to the police without resistance.

Authorities said Pichet was wanted on a warrant issued by the Na Thawi Provincial Court on charges of jointly defrauding the public by impersonation and importing false information into a computer system in a manner likely to cause public damage.

Officials said the case stemmed from a fake investment scam in which fraudsters lured victims with promises of high returns.

The gang allegedly built trust by distributing early payouts before persuading victims to transfer larger sums into multiple bank accounts.

But once the money had been deposited, the victims were reportedly blocked from withdrawing funds and were instead pressured into paying additional 'fees' like taxes, unlocking charges, and processing costs.

The total losses reportedly reached 296,118 baht.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Paiboon Pimkamnerd of the Special Service Division said police staked out the train station before spotting the suspect matching the warrant description and arresting him.

He said: 'During questioning, the suspect admitted the bank account belonged to him but claimed he did not know it would be used to scam people. We did not believe his statement. He was handed over to the inquiry officer at Sadao Police Station for further legal action.'

Pichet allegedly told officers that an acquaintance known as 'Lek' had borrowed the account in exchange for cash payment.

Police said they were hunting other scammers involved.