A group of performers in Pattaya has filed a police complaint after being scammed by a fake event organiser who disappeared with more than 430,000 baht meant to pay for their performances. The incident took place on November 18 near the entrance of Soi Khao Talo, where an outdoor concert had been scheduled.
The event was promoted as an evening of entertainment featuring well-known comedian Foy Thong Chuen Yim, rising singer Paeng Fun, and Phetchaburi-based band The Lamud. Food and drink stalls were set up to attract crowds, and the venue owner had paid a full budget for the performers in advance, trusting that the event staff would distribute the funds appropriately.
According to the performers, a woman identifying herself as “Wa,” dressed in a pink long-sleeved top and trousers, had presented herself as the event organiser. She was accompanied by her husband, and together they allegedly acted as middlemen between the artists and the venue owner. They assured everyone that they would handle the payments once the show was about to begin.
However, problems surfaced as soon as the performers arrived. The artists were informed they would be paid only after they went on stage. Despite repeated assurances, the payments never appeared. The performers said they waited through the night, receiving delays such as “after the show” and “tomorrow morning,” but by the next day, the couple’s phones had been switched off.
“We later found out they had already taken the money from the venue owner,” Foy Thong said. The performers soon realised they had been scammed and that the couple had vanished with the entire budget.
Police investigating the case believe the suspects may have been in debt to loan sharks and might have used the stolen money to settle personal financial issues. The venue owner, who was also deceived, accompanied the performers to Bang Lamung Police Station on November 19 to officially report the incident. Police confirmed that he had no involvement in the fraudulent scheme.
Foy Thong later posted a photo of himself with the female suspect — also known by the name “Nok To” — urging the public to provide information if they spot her. The image was shared through The Pattaya News as part of efforts to track down the couple.
The scam has left the performers not only unpaid but also facing personal losses, including travel expenses and an entire day of missed work. The incident has raised concerns within the entertainment community, especially for traveling performers who often rely on organisers’ honesty.
Police have issued a reminder to artists, event managers, and venue owners to thoroughly verify organisers’ identities before signing agreements. Authorities also emphasised the importance of having clear, written contracts outlining payment schedules and responsibilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The investigation is underway, with police gathering witness statements and reviewing evidence in an effort to locate the suspects and recover the missing funds.
