Pattaya —
Region 2 Police raided an illegal money lending operation in Pattaya on Tuesday, June 18th, and arrested three Thai people.
The raid was conducted at a house in the Ratanakorn Village 11 on Soi Takian Tia 7, Banglamung district, Chonburi province, following a tip-off from concerned citizens.
Upon entering the premises, officers found a large Thai family residing in the house. Authorities then showed the family a search warrant before examining the premises, during which they found much evidence of illegal money lending activities, including loan records, five mobile phones, a Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, a Honda Jazz car, two customer account books, and a homemade firearm.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene, including Mr. Sitthichai Tonniem, 40, the owner of the firearm and believed to be the head of the operation, Mr. Ekkarin Sukchant, 22, who worked as a debt collector, and Mr. Aphirak Thongrarerng, 19, who also worked as a debt collector.
The suspects were charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license, engaging in illegal money lending and charging excessive interest rates, and operating a loan business without a license.
According to Region 2 Police, Mr. Sitthichai operated the illegal money lending business through a Facebook page named “เฮียเสือเงินทุน” (Uncle Tiger Capital). He would advertise his services and communicate with customers through the page’s Messenger application. He would charge an interest rate of over 20% per 24 days, which is illegal in Thailand.
The three suspects reportedly admitted to the offenses.
The police further mentioned that the raid was part of an ongoing effort by Region 2 Police to combat illegal money lending activities, which have been causing hardship for many people in Chonburi province.
The suspects were taken to Banglamung Police Station for legal action.
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