A group of 70 people lodged complaints with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), alleging they were misled into buying condominium units, which led to collective losses of 3 billion baht.
Pavena Hongsakula, founder of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, spearheaded the submission of the complaint on Wednesday. She reported that the group represents around 200 affected individuals.
On Saturday, the complainants sought assistance from the foundation, claiming they were deceived by a debt-relief company that promised to pay off their credit card debts in exchange for signing contracts to purchase condominium units.
One victim, known as Meen, recounted how the company, based in Khlong 2, Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani, approached her with an offer to clear her credit card debt of 900,000 baht. She was unsure how the company had knowledge of her debts, but it did fulfill its promise to pay them off.
Following the debt settlement, she filed a statement at the Khu Khot police station, documenting that the company had settled her debt, under the condition that she participate in a condo purchasing scheme.
Initially, she believed she was purchasing just one unit, but she later discovered that the company had applied for loans in her name from multiple banks, resulting in her accruing debts of 16 million baht for four condominium units.
She explained that the company assured her it would cover the costs for three of the units while she paid for one. The contract indicated the company would repurchase all the units within two years. Unfortunately, the company defaulted, leaving her liable for the full debt and facing lawsuits from the banks.
Others shared similar experiences, with some individuals being misled into purchasing multiple units and subsequently finding themselves in debt by as much as 40 million baht.
The victims formed a Line group, which now has over 200 members, as reported by Ms. Pavena. The situation has caused significant distress, especially since the company has since ceased operations.
Ms. Pavena has called on the DSI to collaborate with banks to negotiate debt restructuring for the victims and to investigate the company and other entities engaging in similar deceptive practices, especially those that advertise on social media.
