BANGKOK — Metropolitan Police have arrested a 55-year-old Thai man, Kritsana, for defrauding eight deaf Chinese tourists by posing as a café owner in Bangkok’s historic Maharaj district. The arrest comes after the suspect collected 2,608 baht from the tourists at I-Yen Café on December 5 before fleeing the scene.
The victims – Ms. Xiulian, Mr. Weidong, Mr. Fengmei, Ms. Yanfen, Mr. Qianyong, Ms. Xiaoju, Mr. Yongqing, and Mr. Tao – filed a complaint at the Royal Palace Police Station through Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerapong Pinitmonthri before their scheduled departure on December 7.
Following CCTV investigation, police apprehended the suspect on December 23 at Bang Na housing complex. During interrogation, Kritsana admitted to the crime, claiming financial hardship after his Huai Khwang clothing business failed during the COVID-19 during COVID-19 drove him to target tourist groups, using his Chinese language skills.
Police records revealed this wasn’t an isolated incident. The suspect, who speaks Chinese, was recently released from prison on May 2, 2024, for a theft case. He has a history of similar scams in tourist hotspots including Pathumwan, Yannawa, and Plubpla Chai areas.
His typical method involves dressing well and convincing foreign tourists he’s the establishment’s owner before collecting payment and immediately departing.
Kritsana faces fraud by impersonation charges carrying penalties of 6 months to 7 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 10,000 to 140,000 baht.
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