Chinese Students File Police Complaints Over Alleged Condo Scam in Thailand

Key summary

On October 20, representatives of Chinese students accompanied by lawyers filed complaints with the Central Investigation Bureau's complaints centre at Tao Poon Police Station regarding an alleged condominium scam affecting approximately 70 people. The complainants submitted evidence including rental contracts, bank transfer slips, and conversation records against Thai property agents accused of misleading them over rentals and sales. One student reported paying more than 156,000 baht upfront for a three-year lease intended to support master's and doctoral studies; the rent was slightly above 4,000 baht per month. Upon arrival, the provided room differed from the agreement. After about five months, the agent claimed the unit had been sold and arranged a move. Five months later, the actual owner of the new unit demanded the student leave, alleging unpaid monthly rent. Other complainants faced similar issues, with some forced into hotels at additional cost. Another buyer reported losing a 50,000 baht deposit on a condominium purchase transferred on February 27, 2025, under an agreement requiring ownership transfer within 15 days. When the transfer failed and refunds were repeatedly requested, the broker allegedly made excuses before becoming unreachable. Lawyers noted that rental contacts and listed owners were women while payments went to a man's account, with unclear connections. A separate alleged scheme encouraged public funding for auctioned properties with promised returns up to twice the investment after renovation and resale; collectors allegedly disappeared. Similar complaints emerged since 2024 involving losses from tens of thousands to millions of baht via online promotions. Combined losses are estimated at nearly 10 million baht. Lawyers believe the cases involve public fraud and offences under the Computer Crime Act. Investigators have accepted complaints, questioned victims, and are gathering evidence while coordinating with local stations to identify and locate the accused.