A wanted fraud suspect was arrested on a Bangkok–Phuket bus after investigators tracked his movements and coordinated an interception in Phuket. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed that the suspect, a 27-year-old man identified only as Patinya, had multiple outstanding warrants linked to fraud, computer crimes, and assault.
According to the CIB, the investigation began when Marine Police Division officers received information regarding Patinya’s travel plans. They monitored an interprovincial air-conditioned bus departing from Bangkok and headed toward Phuket, where they believed the suspect was attempting to evade arrest. Officers positioned themselves at key checkpoints along the route and prepared to intercept the vehicle upon arrival.
When the bus reached Phuket, police boarded and confronted the suspect, presenting several outstanding warrants. Patinya did not resist and immediately acknowledged his identity. Officers took him into custody and transferred him to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The case traces back to Patinya’s involvement in an online sales operation organised by a senior coworker. His role had been limited to packing goods for delivery, but his personal bank account was used to receive customer payments. Police reported that he worked in the position for only five days before quitting. After he left the job, his coworker allegedly continued using his bank account to receive payments for products that were never delivered, leading to multiple fraud complaints.
As the account holder, Patinya became a primary suspect in the scheme. Authorities later discovered that he was already wanted on five separate warrants: three related to joint fraud, one under the Computer Crime Act, and another for assault causing physical or mental harm. The accumulation of cases placed him on the CIB’s watchlist.
Investigators tracked his movements and eventually confirmed that he was travelling toward Phuket. According to The Phuket News, police coordinated with local checkpoints and prepared a targeted operation to apprehend him safely. Once confronted, he reportedly confessed to all charges linked to the outstanding warrants.
Authorities said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of interprovincial coordination and digital tracking in handling modern crime cases, especially those involving online fraud and misuse of personal bank accounts. Cases where individuals unknowingly—or knowingly—allow others to use their bank accounts have become increasingly common, often resulting in legal consequences even for those who claim limited involvement.
In a related incident, a Singaporean man linked to a Cambodia-based scam network was recently arrested in northeastern Thailand after hiding at his Thai wife’s home. Police noted that cross-border scam operations continue to grow more complex, making international and regional cooperation increasingly important.
Patinya is now in custody as investigators prepare to proceed with formal charges and further inquiries. The CIB has urged the public to remain cautious when allowing others to use their bank accounts, as doing so can unintentionally implicate them in serious legal offences.
