Bangkok, March 31st, 2025 — A shocking fraud case unraveled when a 50-year-old Thai man, who had claimed his “pregnant wife” was trapped under the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak, was exposed as a liar. The story, which touched hearts nationwide, had led to donations of 10,000 baht via a live stream.
A 25-year-old woman (whose name was withheld by the media) came forward to police at Bang Sue Station, revealing that the suspect (whose name was withheld by the police) had used her employee ID to pose as his wife. She had left the company in 2019 and had no connection to him, but the false claim caused distress to her family, who feared she had died.
Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat confirmed that the man had fabricated the entire story. Surveillance footage showed him fleeing Mo Chit Bus Terminal on March 31st after news of the hoax spread.
Upon his arrest, he admitted to carrying the stolen ID card, which he falsely claimed to have found on Ladprao Road.
Despite returning the donations, police charged him with fraud, as the crime was already committed. He apologized publicly but insisted he had no intent to deceive.
Authorities warned against exploiting disasters for personal gain, emphasizing that spreading false information could lead to legal consequences under Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act and Criminal Code.
A background check revealed that the suspect had a prior DUI conviction in 2015. His latest deception, occurring amid a national crisis, has drawn widespread condemnation, especially as it came to light on April 1st—April Fool’s Day—highlighting the dangers of misinformation during emergencies.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
