Arakanese broker couple absconds after defrauding over 7 million baht in Thailand

By Admin 19 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

19 April 2026, Bangkok, Thailand

An Arakanese broker couple based in Nakhon Pathom near Bangkok, Thailand, who operated money transfer services to Arakan State and mainland Myanmar, has reportedly fled after defrauding Arakanese migrants of more than 7 million baht.

The suspects have been identified as Ko Zaw Min Thein, in his 30s, and his wife, Ma Khaing Thazin, originally from Mintet Village in Ann Township, Arakan State.

They are currently on the run after taking more than 7 million Thai baht from over 30 people, including Arakanese migrant workers and individuals involved in the money transfer business.

A female victim from Minphu Village in Rathedaung Township said, “They lived in Thailand and worked in the money transfer and withdrawal business. Compared to other agencies, their service fees and exchange deductions were lower. That is why we transferred money through them. This money was saved over years of hard work. I sent it to buy farmland and cattle in my village. For me alone, over K30 million was lost. For others, the amount is even higher.”

The victims were able to contact Ko Zaw Min Thein until April 10, 2026. After that, communication was cut off, and the suspects reportedly blocked the victims on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Most of those defrauded are migrant workers in Thailand as well as individuals involved in domestic and international money transfer services.

A victim from Kyauktaw said, “Most of the people defrauded are money transfer agents and migrant workers. They were the ones targeted. This couple had been operating the money transfer business for about three years. It has been over a week since they fled. They have both disappeared.”

Although the victims have reported the case to Thai police and Arakanese social welfare organizations, the suspects have not yet been apprehended and remain at large.

The Kyauktaw resident added, “We have reported them to the Thai police and other organizations to arrest them as soon as possible. We believe the couple may still be hiding in Thailand. Therefore, we want them caught as quickly as possible by any means.”

Among the more than 30 victims are people from Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Minbya, and Myebon townships, as well as individuals from mainland Myanmar.

There are millions of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, including many from Arakan State. These workers frequently fall victim to fraud by employment brokers and money transfer agents.