Suspect in ฿16 Billion Dr. Boon Fraud Case Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport
BANGKOK, THAILAND – A key suspect linked to the massive ฿16 billion investment fraud case involving fugitive physician Dr. Boon Vanasin was arrested on Monday night (April 8) at Suvarnabhumi Airport after returning from hiding in China, officials announced.
Thitiporn Chalermrattanapratheep, 39, was apprehended by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as she re-entered Thailand. She is the 14th suspect to be detained in the high-profile case tied to the 86-year-old founder of Thon Buri Healthcare Group, who remains on the run.
🚨 Massive Public Fraud Unfolds
The arrest was disclosed in a joint press briefing by:
- Pol Capt Wisanu Chimtrakul, Deputy DSI Chief
- Pol Lt Gen Samarn Nuanma, Assistant National Police Chief
- Senior DSI and Metropolitan Police Bureau officers
Thitiporn is accused of enticing investors into business ventures backed by Dr. Boon, promising high returns. However, victims reportedly received no dividends, and their capital was never returned. So far, 605 victims have been identified, with total damages exceeding ฿16 billion.
🧾 DSI Evidence and Charges
The DSI took control of the investigation in 2023 and submitted a massive report to prosecutors, which includes:
- 342 case files
- Over 130,000 pages of evidence
The DSI has recommended indictments for 16 suspects on charges of public fraud and fraudulent borrowing. Of those, 13 have been arrested, while Dr. Boon, Thitiporn, and another woman, Kotchaporn Suwannakut, had fled abroad.
❌ Suspect Denies Involvement
During initial questioning, Thitiporn denied all charges, claiming she had no direct connection to Dr. Boon. She said she was asked by a friend to act as an investment agent and was promised a 13.5% commission on the money she helped raise.
However, investigators dispute her claims, stating that financial trails and other evidence clearly link her to the fraudulent scheme and show she was in close contact with Dr. Boon.
🌍 Fugitives Tracked, Arrests Imminent
According to Pol Capt Wisanu, authorities have located both Dr. Boon and Ms. Kotchaporn overseas. While he declined to disclose specific countries, he confirmed that efforts to extradite the fugitives are actively underway.
🏥 Reputation Exploited for Fraud
Dr. Boon allegedly exploited his reputation as a respected physician and the credibility of his SET-listed hospital group to gain public trust and attract large-scale investment in bogus healthcare ventures.
Authorities stress that the case underscores the urgent need for vigilance when investing, even in projects that appear legitimate due to celebrity or corporate associations.
The investigation continues as authorities pursue justice for hundreds of defrauded investors.
