Woman Arrested in Patong over Alleged “Horse Account” Online Fraud Scheme

Police in Phuket have arrested a 38-year-old woman accused of involvement in multiple online fraud operations linked to so-called “horse accounts” used by scammers to receive stolen funds.

Authorities said the suspect, identified as Ms. Kochamon, was wanted under three separate warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, Chiang Mai Provincial Court, and Thanyaburi Provincial Court.

She faces allegations including assisting public fraud, entering false information into computer systems in a way that could harm the public, and allowing her bank accounts to be used for criminal activity.

The arrest was carried out in the parking area of a hotel on Thaweewong Road in Patong after investigators received information about her whereabouts.

According to police, several victims had filed complaints after purchasing products advertised on Facebook pages. The customers reportedly transferred money but never received the goods they ordered.

Investigators later traced the payments to bank accounts registered under Ms. Kochamon’s name. Authorities believe the accounts were repeatedly used by fraud networks to collect money from victims.

Police said the accounts were linked to multiple scams, leading courts in three provinces to issue separate warrants. Combined financial losses across the cases reportedly exceeded 100,000 baht.

Officers moved in after learning the suspect would appear at the hotel and detained her after confirming her identity and presenting the warrants.

She was later transferred to Phuket City Police Station for further legal proceedings.

During questioning, Ms. Kochamon denied the accusations. She claimed she had allowed a friend to use her bank account and said she did not know it would allegedly be connected to fraudulent activities.

Authorities continue investigating whether additional people were involved in the scheme.