Broker linked to Dr Boon's alleged fraud case deported from China

One of two fugitive brokers allegedly involved in the Bt7.5-billion fraud case linked to Dr Boon Vanasin, former chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group, has been arrested in China and deported to Bangkok.

The suspect, identified as Thitiporn, had an arrest warrant issued for her in December last year. She is the 14th suspect to be arrested in connection with the fraud.

Wissanu Chimtrakul, deputy director general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), said she had been placed on Interpol’s red notice list along with Dr Boon and another broker, Kotchaporn, after fleeing Thailand.

Thitiporn escaped to China, where she was recently arrested. Chinese authorities deported her to Bangkok at Thailand's request.

She was arrested upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sunday night. Wissanu spoke to the media at the airport, though the suspect was not present during the briefing.

Two others wanted in connection with the case remain at large: Dr Boon, believed to be in China, and Kotchaporn Suwannakut.

An initial report claimed that Dr Boon, 86, had been arrested in China and was now in Thai police custody.

He is wanted on fraud charges involving estimated damages of Bt7.5 billion and has been the subject of an Interpol red notice since fleeing Thailand.

His wife and daughter, also accused of misleading people into investing in medical ventures he promoted, remain in Thai custody pending trial.

Between December 2023 and October 2024, 247 complaints were filed against Dr Boon at Huai Khwang Police Station by victims who said they were unable to cash checks issued by him.

Dr Boon built public trust after successfully listing his medical business on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in 2017. He frequently appeared in the media and gave press conferences, skillfully presenting a narrative around Thailand’s transition to an aging society and the global demand for healthcare and senior living services. His reputation helped him win investor support for several proposed projects.