BANGKOK, Thailand – The dreams of 250 Thai workers were shattered as they arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, hoping to travel abroad for work, only to discover they had no flight tickets, January 5. The group, who had collectively paid over 12 million baht to an agent, gathered to file a police report, fearing they had been scammed.
Around 9 PM last night, nearly 50 workers, both men and women, assembled at the front office of Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station on the first floor of the passenger terminal. Carrying their luggage, they sought help from authorities after discovering that their travel arrangements, including flight tickets, did not exist. They had paid money to a woman claiming to arrange jobs in agriculture and industry overseas, with a scheduled departure at 10 PM on January 4. When they checked their tickets, no bookings were found.
Ms. Salinthip, one of the victims from Buriram Province, shared that her son was approached by an acquaintance promoting agricultural jobs abroad with promising salaries. Believing the offer, they paid 60,000 baht to Ms. Aoy, the alleged agent. However, upon arrival at the airport, they found no record of their flight. Ms. Aoy claimed she could no longer contact her partner, who was supposedly responsible for the arrangements.
Similarly, Mr. Thanayut, a 36-year-old from Sakon Nakhon, revealed he paid 120,000 baht and even hired a vehicle to travel to the airport. He was convinced by Ms. Aoy’s claims, which included promises of a monthly salary of 70,000 baht and total costs of over 200,000 baht, with 120,000 baht to be paid up front. He believed the offer due to word-of-mouth recommendations and testimonies of others who had allegedly gone abroad successfully.
Ms. Aoy, the alleged agent, also filed a police report, claiming to be a victim herself. She stated that she was recruited by another woman, Ms. Fah, who promised her 2,000 baht per recruit. Ms. Fah allegedly claimed to work with an embassy and coordinated travel arrangements, collecting over 12 million baht from 250 workers through Ms. Aoy. Ms. Fah reportedly assured that all arrangements, including flights, would be handled, instructing workers to bring their passports to the airline counter.
Police have advised victims to file complaints with investigators in their local jurisdictions where the money transfers occurred. Due to the large number of victims and the significant financial loss, authorities suggested they collectively report the case to the Crime Suppression Division. The victims plan to meet and file their complaint on Monday, January 6, at 10 AM. (TNA)
