“Tragic news: 19-year-old Atiya from Nakhon Si Thammarat took her own life after falling victim to an online scam. She lost 18,500 baht in an attempt to buy an iPhone from a mobile phone shop on social media. Let’s raise awareness on online scams and stay vigilant. #onlinescams #cybersecurity #Thailand #travel #staysafe”
The Loss of a Young Life
A 19-year-old student, Atiya, from Nakhon Si Thammarat, took her own life after falling victim to an online scam. Atiya, a Mathayom Suksa 6 (Grade 12) student, was found hanging in her bedroom in tambon Koh Thuad of Pak Phanang district. Her tragic story has left her family and friends devastated, and police are now on the hunt for the scammers responsible.
The Online Purchase That Turned Into a Nightmare
Atiya had been communicating with a mobile phone shop on social media, which claimed to be located in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai. She desired to purchase an iPhone 13 via installments and was instructed to make a down payment before the shop would send the phone.
She transferred a total of 18,500 baht to a bank account in the name of Ms. Dokkaew Kaewjerm in four separate payments. Evidence of the money transfer slips and chat messages between Atiya and the seller were found on her mobile phone.
The Scam Unravels and Desperation Sets In
Atiya never received her iPhone even after making the down payment. She contacted the seller multiple times and eventually requested a refund. The shop demanded an additional 2,000 baht as a guarantee for the iPhone. Desperate to resolve the issue, she transferred the extra money. After sending the funds, she received no further response and realized she had been scammed.
Some of the money Atiya had used for the payments was borrowed from her close friends. She feared her mother’s reprimand and was under immense stress due to the situation.
The Family’s Grief and the Police Investigation
On October 15, Atiya sent her last message to one of her close friends, sharing her distress over the scam and fear of her mother’s response. Concerned, the friend contacted Atiya’s family and suggested they check on her. After forcing open her locked bedroom door, they found her lifeless body. The family was left heartbroken and in chaos.
Investigation chief Pol Lt Col Sawat Niyomdet at Koh Thuad opened an immediate investigation and discovered that the phone shop in Mae Sai did not exist. Local investigators are now collaborating with cybercrime police to track down the scammers, starting with the owner of the bank account in question.
Atiya’s mother, Ms. Boonyuen, tearfully recounted the incident to reporters. She had previously warned her daughter about the dangers of online scams and never thought this tragedy would befall her family. She urged the police to apprehend the criminals swiftly to prevent further victims from suffering the same fate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Atiya, the 19-year-old student from Nakhon Si Thammarat?
Atiya took her own life after falling victim to an online scam. She lost 18,500 baht while attempting to buy an iPhone from a mobile phone shop on social media. The tragic outcome has left her family and friends devastated, and police are now on the hunt for the scammers responsible.
How did the online scam unfold, and what led to Atiya’s desperation?
Atiya had been communicating with a mobile phone shop on social media, which claimed to be located in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai. She transferred a total of 18,500 baht in four separate payments for an iPhone 13. However, she never received her iPhone even after making the down payment. The shop demanded an additional 2,000 baht as a guarantee for the iPhone, which she also transferred. After sending the funds, she received no further response and realized she had been scammed. Some of the money she used was borrowed from close friends, and she feared her mother’s reprimand, leading to immense stress.
What actions are being taken in response to Atiya’s tragic loss and the online scam?
Police have opened an investigation and discovered that the phone shop in Mae Sai did not exist. Local investigators are now collaborating with cybercrime police to track down the scammers, starting with the owner of the bank account in question. Atiya’s mother recounted the incident to reporters and urged the police to apprehend the criminals swiftly to prevent further victims from suffering the same fate.
