Thai Romance Scam Suspect Allegedly Used AI to Fake Bank Records and Defraud Victim
Thai Romance Scam Suspect Allegedly Used AI to Fake Bank Records and Defraud Victim
CHANTHABURI, October 14, 2026 — Thai police have arrested a man accused of defrauding a victim of more than 21.28 million baht through a romance scam that allegedly involved 623 payments and transfers over nearly 17 months.
The suspect, identified as Phongthon, was arrested on October 10 by officers from the Chanthaburi Provincial Police Investigation Division under a warrant issued by the Chanthaburi Provincial Court on October 7. He faces charges involving the entry of false or forged computer data, the forgery and use of official documents, and fraud.
Romance allegedly used to obtain millions
According to investigators, Phongthon met the victim at a massage shop in Bangkok around March 2025. The two subsequently developed a romantic relationship.
Police allege that he later began borrowing money for various reasons, repeatedly promising to repay the amounts.
To convince the victim that he had sufficient funds, he allegedly sent a bank balance certificate through LINE showing deposits totalling approximately 14.07 million baht. Investigators later determined that the document was forged, according to the police briefing.
The suspect also allegedly presented a document purporting to come from Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station. He reportedly claimed that his mother had been arrested over illegal underground lottery gambling and needed money to pay a fine. Police said the document was also found to be fake.
AI allegedly used to manipulate bank documents
Investigators said Phongthon claimed to have used artificial intelligence to manipulate the bank document and alter account figures.
However, police had not independently verified the reported use of AI, according to the source report.
The victim allegedly handed over money and valuables on 623 occasions between April 21, 2025, and September 19, 2026. The combined losses were calculated at 21,287,731.88 baht.
The victim eventually discussed the situation with family members before filing a police complaint. Investigators then gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant.
Online gambling among suspected uses of funds
Police believe some of the money was used to repay informal debts and cover personal expenses, while most of the funds were allegedly spent on online gambling, particularly slot games.
Following his arrest, Phongthon was transferred to Mueang Chanthaburi Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The case highlights how fabricated financial records and official-looking documents can allegedly be used to sustain online or relationship-based fraud. The charges remain allegations to be determined through the legal process.
