Investigators from Region 8 Police carried out coordinated raids at two properties in Thepkrasattri yesterday (Apr 28), acting under search warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on Monday.
Police confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old man, identified as Thawatchai, also known as ‘Got’, and a 29-year-old woman, Nattaya, also known as ‘Bew’. Officers seized a car, a motorcycle and a large volume of documents as evidence.
Both suspects have been initially charged with jointly operating an unlicensed pawnshop and jointly providing loans at interest rates exceeding the legal limit. They have been handed over to investigators at Thalang Police Station for further legal proceedings.
According to police, the operation followed an investigation by the Special Operations Division of Region 8 Police, including teams from Phang Nga, after receiving a tip-off about illegal lending activities conducted via Facebook under the name ‘Got’.
Authorities said the suspects advertised loans online, offering to accept cars and motorcycles as collateral, with or without registration documents. Investigators gathered evidence before applying for court-approved search warrants, numbered 91-92/2569, dated Apr 27.
During the raids, officers searched one residence (address withheld), where both suspects were found, along with multiple vehicles and loan-related documents. A second search at another property registered to the female suspect led to the seizure of additional evidence parked nearby.
Police reported that both suspects admitted to operating the business together, using Facebook accounts ‘Got’ and ‘Bew Nattaya’ as well as word-of-mouth to attract customers.
Under their scheme, borrowers would pawn vehicles in exchange for cash, with repayments transferred to Thawatchai’s bank account. Interest rates varied but were reported to reach as high as 60% per month, far exceeding Thailand’s legal limits, police reported.
Officers also seized 31 loan agreements and related documents, totalling 153 pages, which have been submitted as evidence in the case.
Police stated the arrests were conducted lawfully, without the use of force or property damage, and that no bribes were solicited. The suspects were informed of their rights, and the arrest report was read and signed before they were taken into custody.
Further investigation and legal action are ongoing, Region 8 Police noted.