Bangkok: Dozens of newlywed couples are seeking justice after being left in turmoil by a renowned makeup artist who allegedly accepted deposits and then failed to show up on their wedding days. The artist, who gained fame as a first runner-up in a prestigious makeup contest, is accused of causing chaos by abandoning his clients at the last minute.
According to Thai News Agency, over ten couples have approached Mr. Ronnarong Kaewpetch, President of the Foundation for the Campaign to Restore Justice in Society, armed with documents and evidence to support their claims. The couples allege that the artist, leveraging his contest accolade, took deposits but did not fulfill his commitments, leaving them scrambling to find alternative solutions on their big day.
One bride shared her ordeal, revealing that she paid a deposit of 9,900 baht from an agreed total of 19,900 baht. On her wedding day, the artist was unreachable, forcing her to urgently hire another makeup artist. She has since reported the incident to the Chonburi City Police Station.
Mr. Prakasit, another victim, recounted a similar experience. He had contracted the artist to beautify his bride and paid a deposit of 7,900 baht. However, he too was abandoned on the wedding day. He has filed a police report and plans to pursue legal action against the artist, known as Donut.
Ms. Metika, who also fell victim, described paying a deposit of 7,900 baht from a total price of 16,900 baht. The artist failed to show up, leaving her in a predicament. Fortunately, a friend intervened by contacting another artist to save the day.
Additionally, Ms. Nisara stated she hired the artist for her wedding at a total cost of 30,900 baht, with a deposit of 19,900 baht paid. She expressed her frustration over being abandoned and the ensuing chaos, vowing to pursue legal action regardless of any attempts at compensation.
Lawyer Ronnarong highlighted that potentially hundreds of couples have been affected, suffering significant losses. The artist's impressive profile on social media, which included a trophy for bridal makeup, lured many into trusting him. Reports have surfaced of simultaneous bookings in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Kanchanaburi, none of which were honored. The case is now being treated as fraud and a violation of the Computer Act, with plans to file a complaint with the Cyber Police.
In a recent development, the makeup artist contacted Lawyer Ronnarong, expressing a willingness to negotiate and offering a compensation plan of 30,000 baht per month. However, the victims have rejected this offer, opting to pursue the matter to its full legal conclusion.