🚨 ALERT! A fake modelling agency has been exposed in Bangkok. The owner, Jarungsak, scammed aspiring models and their parents out of 10 million baht. Stay cautious and stay away from scams like this! #BangkokScam #ModelingAgencyScam #StayVigilant #BewareOfScams
A man, known only as Jarungsak, has been apprehended by the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s (MPB) online patrol unit under the suspicion of operating a fraudulent modelling agency. This sham operation reportedly led to a damage worth approximately 10 million baht.
The Arrest
The arrest took place on October 1, in a house located in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan. The 51-year-old suspect, now under the custody, has been indicted with the charges of fraud and false data input into a computer system. Pol Col Wichit Thirakhajornwong, the superintendent of the Metropolitan Police Bureau 1 Investigation Division, released this information to the public.
The Facade and its History
Jarungsak, also recognized by the alias “Ajarn Toey,” had gained significant fame back in 2019 as a talent scout. He had set up a Facebook page titled “Top Model 2022.” The page was targeted towards aspiring models, offering help and guidance to them. The suspect then engaged in chats with the parents of these aspiring models.
The Modus Operandi
Jarungsak would request a tuition fee of 1,000 baht for modeling classes he claimed to hold at department stores in the Rama IX and RCA areas. But that was just the start of his deceitful scheme.
Further Deception
After the initial fee, Jarungsak would then ask for more money from the parents. The reason he cited was to send their children to modelling events held in Pattaya, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The entry fees for these events were quoted to be 5,000 baht. In addition, he demanded a sum ranging between 40,000 and 50,000 baht for various other payments.
The Empty Promises
To convince the parents, he promised them a commission in return after each event. However, once he received the money from the parents, he would vanish.
Denial and Complaints
Despite the allegations, Jarungsak has denied all accusations, claiming he owned a modelling company that had to shut down last year due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, numerous parents have filed complaints against him, leading to an investigation. According to Pol Col Wichit, the total damage caused by this fraudulent scheme is estimated to be around 10 million baht.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Jarungsak and what was he allegedly involved in?
Jarungsak, also known as “Ajarn Toey,” is a man who has been accused of running a fraudulent modelling agency in Bangkok. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s online patrol unit has apprehended him under the suspicion of scamming prospective models and their parents out of approximately 10 million baht. He used to be a talent scout and had gained notable fame back in 2019.
Q2: How did Jarungsak conduct his fraudulent activities?
Jarungsak operated his scam through a Facebook page titled “Top Model 2022” where he targeted aspiring models and their parents. He would charge a tuition fee of 1,000 baht for supposed modeling classes at department stores in the Rama IX and RCA areas. After the initial fee, he would then ask for more money to send the children to modelling events in Pattaya, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The entry fees for these events were quoted to be 5,000 baht. He also demanded additional payments between 40,000 and 50,000 baht. He promised a commission to the parents after each event, but would disappear once he received the payments.
Q3: What has been the response from Jarungsak and the affected parties?
Despite the allegations, Jarungsak has denied all accusations, claiming he owned a modelling company that had to shut down last year due to the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, several parents have filed complaints against him, prompting an investigation. The total damage caused by this fraudulent scheme is estimated to be around 10 million baht.
