PATTAYA, Thailand – A foreign resident has contacted Pattaya Mail claiming he lost millions of baht in an alleged romance scam and is now expressing frustration over what he describes as a slow-moving police investigation. Gary said he believed he was in a genuine relationship with a woman who, between September and January, repeatedly requested financial assistance for what she claimed were her father’s medical expenses following a serious traffic accident in Buriram province.
According to Gary, he was told the woman’s father had been struck by a truck and left in a coma. He said he was informed that family members and the driver involved in the accident were also contributing to hospital costs and that the driver’s insurance company would eventually reimburse all medical expenses once the father recovered. Trusting the information he was given, Gary said he transferred funds over several months, estimating the total amount at approximately 2 million baht.
However, he said his suspicions grew after losing contact with the woman for two days in early March. Concerned for her welfare, he contacted her sister, who he claims appeared unaware of any accident, hospital bills, or insurance claim involving their father. Gary alleges that when confronted with the discrepancy, the woman later admitted in writing that she had deceived him. Pattaya Mail has not independently verified this claim or reviewed the alleged correspondence.
Believing he had been defrauded, Gary filed a police report in March. He says further examination of messages, photographs, social media activity, and information provided by third parties led him to suspect that his overall financial losses may ultimately be between 3 million and 4 million baht. While Gary acknowledges that investigations take time, he says he has become increasingly frustrated by what he perceives as limited progress in the case. He claims that several weeks passed before a summons was issued and that follow-up discussions have been repeatedly delayed.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and no charges or convictions related to the matter have been publicly reported. The woman involved has not publicly responded to the claims. The case highlights the risks of online and relationship-based fraud schemes, which continue to affect both Thai nationals and foreign residents. Authorities regularly advise people to exercise caution when sending money, particularly when requests are linked to emergencies, medical expenses, or urgent personal situations that cannot be independently verified. Gary says he is now exploring his legal options while hoping the case receives further attention from the relevant authorities.
