Bangkok: A couple has approached the Crime Suppression Division police, alleging that their names were used to fraudulently purchase insurance policies amounting to 120 million baht without their knowledge or consent. They assert that they never agreed to any contract or insurance arrangement to secure money borrowed from another party.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chalida Phalamat, also known as Ton Ao, accompanied the victims, Ms. Patcharawarin, or U, and Mr. Thanawat, or Tong, to file a complaint against those who exploited their names to secure a life insurance policy. The intent is to prosecute anyone involved in this scheme. Ms. Chalida explained that the victims had attempted to report the matter earlier, but due to jurisdictional issues and the involvement of multiple insurance companies, it proved challenging. The victims have already lodged a complaint in Si Sa Ket Province, maintaining that they never purchased any insurance. The charges potentially include forgery and the use of forged documents. There are also concerns about possible threats to the victims' safety, as the police have questioned Ms. Chalida after she raised concerns on social media about potential attacks on the victims.
Ms. Patcharawarin revealed that initially, she was unaware of the beneficiaries of the fraudulent policies. Upon receiving the relevant documents, she discovered the identities of the beneficiaries, some of whom are related to her and have a history of legal issues. She emphasized that neither she nor her husband had ever engaged with any insurance agents prior. Ms. Patcharawarin noted that the process of acquiring life insurance requires the insured's signature, which can be verified for authenticity.
In an earlier development, Ms. Patcharawarin left crucial documents with her lawyer during a court hearing. It emerged that her old ID card was used to facilitate the insurance purchase, despite her obtaining a new one after her release from prison. She acknowledged knowing one representative from an insurance company, who is a relative, but insisted she did not engage in any insurance activities post-incarceration.
In a recent statement, the opposing party claimed the victims held only a few insurance policies, but evidence suggests they had 46 policies with a cumulative coverage of 120 million baht. Following an accident involving Mr. Thanawat on September 18, 2022, suspicions arose about foul play intended to claim the insurance money. It is suspected that others may be orchestrating these events behind the scenes.
Ms. Patcharawarin appealed to the insurance company to rigorously screen and verify insurance applications, emphasizing that she and her husband never intended to acquire such substantial insurance coverage. She recounted an incident where someone falsely promised to help her secure health insurance benefits while she was pregnant, leading her to share personal information under false pretenses.
Mr. Thanawat maintained that he has no affiliation with any company and never signed any relevant documents. He asserted that any signature attributed to him must be forged. In cases where an insurance company representative claimed to have seen him, Mr. Thanawat contended that an impersonator must have been involved. He stressed that he was at home in Sisaket Province during the alleged encounter, supported by witness testimonies.
Mr. Thanawat further explained that Ms. Watcharee connected him with someone named Mr. Boy for a car pawning arrangement. However, he denied any agreement related to using insurance to settle debts, asserting that any such claims were fabricated.
Ms. Patcharawarin noted that a debtor from a prior case would testify on their behalf. She refuted claims of owing 50 million baht, clarifying that her actual debt was approximately 10 million baht, with payment records available for verification. The breakdown in relations with the opposing party stemmed from unmet benefits and an inability to meet repayment obligations as initially agreed.
Addressing rumors of Ms. Tang's suicide attempt, Ms. Patcharawarin mentioned that she was unaware of the incident at the time but later learned from others about a related business issue. She believed that collaborating with them initially presented a promising opportunity.