Prominent lawyer and woman arrested for fraud and money laundering during trip to Sa Kaeo province, bordering Cambodia

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai police on Thursday (Nov 7) arrested a high-profile lawyer known for his outspoken advocacy, Sittra Biebangkerd, known as “Lawyer Tum,” and his wife, Patitta Biebangkerd, on charges of fraud and money laundering. The couple was arrested in Chachoengsao province, east of Bangkok.

An arrest warrant had been issued after a former client known as ‘Madam Aoi’ filed a complaint alleging she had been defrauded of more than 100 million baht.

Police intercepted the couple’s luxury Porsche Cayenne on a highway near the Phanom Sarakham district. Both lawyer Tum and his wife were taken into custody.

Police sources revealed that the couple were traveling to Sa Kaeo province, bordering Cambodia. Police closely monitored their movements after they applied to the court for an arrest warrant. They were arrested after the court issued the arrest warrant.

Attorney Tum faces four charges, including fraud, money laundering and criminal conspiracy. His wife has also been charged with money laundering and criminal conspiracy. After their arrest, the couple was taken to the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok for questioning. They both declined to comment when approached by reporters.

At the same time, authorities seized a luxury Porsche Cayenne. Inside, in the rear compartment, they discovered travel bags, bedding and a brown envelope, all of which were taken for further investigation.

After about an hour of questioning, police reported that the couple had denied all allegations. The police will appeal their bail, providing evidence that they may have committed serious crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than three years, and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that they may interfere with witnesses or evidence .

A search of their luxury home in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district turned up a trove of luxury goods, including designer handbags and jewelry, which authorities believe were purchased with the proceeds of their alleged crimes. Police are now investigating whether these items can be linked to the fraud allegations. (TNA)