An elderly Pattaya man was conned out of 200,000 baht by grifters who promised him he’d get rich by doing basically nothing.
Thongin Panprasong, 71, filed a complaint with Pattaya police June 6 about the incident that occurred a month earlier.
He said a couple arrived at his Soi Ban Tanman home and said they were looking for land to buy in the area and asked if he’d act as a broker for them in exchange for a commission if they found property to buy.
They returned the next morning saying they’d found a parcel in Huay Yai and drove him to meet the supposed landowner. However, the “owner” said the land was mortgaged with a Pattaya gold shop for 400,000 baht and if they wanted the property, they’d have to buy the deed back from the pawn shop.
The couple drove the former navy petty officer to the shop, but showed him 200,000 baht, saying they only had half the money. The couple told Thongin that if he kicked in the other 200,000, he’d get a larger commission.
He withdrew the money and gave it to the pair, who put it in an envelope. Before going to the gold shop, they stopped at an insurance company where they instructed him to copy his identification card, which would be needed by the pawn shop.
While he was inside, they drove away with his money.
Police said Thongin was victimized by con men who prey on senior citizens and promised to investigate.
