Nonthaburi: Police have requested arrest warrants for a couple accused of falsely reporting a house fire that allegedly destroyed 10 million baht. The Forensic Science Division's investigation found no evidence of electrical short circuits, suggesting the fire was intentionally set. Further scrutiny revealed that the claimed 10 million baht did not exist, while a separate investigation into 6.5 million baht found in the couple's car suggests possible money laundering activities.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred at a two-story house within the Royal Irrigation Department residence in Tambon Tha Sai, Amphoe Mueang, Nonthaburi Province. The fire caused damage to the downstairs bedroom, and the homeowner initially claimed that 10 million baht in cash was lost to the flames. However, subsequent inspections led to the discovery of 6.5 million baht in cash inside the couple's car, raising suspicions of financial misconduct.
Pol. Col. Phisit Chanthasuwan, Superintendent of Rattanathibet Police Station, revealed that anomalies were detected in both the fire's origin and the supposed disappearance of the money. Forensic officers are focusing on two main issues: the fire's cause and the validity of the missing funds claim. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire was not caused by an electrical fault, as initially claimed, pointing instead to deliberate arson.
Police are actively pursuing arrest warrants for Ms. Nittaya and Mr. Ritthikon, aiming to uncover any additional accomplices. Although Ms. Dear is not directly linked to the arson and false reporting charges, she is implicated in the suspicious financial transactions under investigation.
The false report charge stems from the couple's assertion that 10 million baht was lost in the fire. However, police investigations have confirmed that the money was never present at the scene, leading to charges of filing a false report.
The financial investigation has revealed over 1,000 related accounts, each transferring significant sums into a main account, which was then used to manage the money flow. Some of these funds were traced back to family members residing in the fire-damaged house. Police suspect the financial activities may have been ongoing for more than a year, with cash withdrawals amounting to over 10 million baht within the past few months.
Uncle Kaew, a 62-year-old neighbor, expressed surprise at the police activity and the eviction of villagers following the incident. He mentioned that while residents were not closely acquainted with the family, the news of their financial dealings was unexpected. The eviction has left villagers scrambling to find new accommodations.