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Police Bust Fraudulent Luang Pu Sila Scratch Card Network

Police Bust Fraudulent Luang Pu Sila Scratch Card Network

MGR Online•Society•35m ago

Reader Briefing

Cyber police arrested three suspects for selling fraudulent scratch cards claiming to be consecrated by Luang Pu Sila, generating over 30 million baht.

  • •Cyber police arrested three suspects including the page owner and two admins for defrauding the public.
  • •The suspects used a Facebook page named "Bat Khud Luang Pu Sila 99 V.3" to sell cards for 99 baht each.
  • •The network generated over 30 million baht in revenue over more than three years.
  • •The suspects were arrested at locations in Lat Phrao, Bangkok, and Dok Kham Tai, Phayao.

Overview

  • •The Facebook page "Bat Khud Luang Pu Sila 99 V.3" advertised scratch cards claiming they were consecrated by Phra Thepwatcharathammasophon, also known as Luang Pu Sila Sirichantho.
  • •Wat Phra That Muen Hin did not permit the commercial use of Luang Pu Sila's image nor did any consecration ceremony for the cards take place.
  • •The fraudulent operation had nearly 10,000 followers and accumulated revenue exceeding 30 million baht via a corporate bank account.
  • •Police conducted raids at two locations in Lat Phrao, Bangkok, arresting admin Wilawan and admin Panthong, and seizing over 1,000 scratch cards.
  • •Police arrested the page owner and company director, Watanyoo, at a residence in Dok Kham Tai, Phayao, under a warrant from Kalasin Provincial Court dated October 12, 2026.
  • •Watanyoo claimed he purchased the cards from an online store for 30–40 baht and sold them for 99 baht, stating he did not know if they were actually consecrated.
  • •The three suspects face charges of public fraud, importing false data into a computer system, money laundering, and defamation by advertising.
  • •Cyber police are continuing the investigation to identify other potentially involved individuals.

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Key Entities

Person

Luang Pu Sila(หลวงปู่ศิลา)
A revered monk whose name and image were impersonated to sell fraudulent scratch cards.
Phra Thepwatcharathammasophon(พระเทพวัชรธรรมโสภณ)
The formal title of Luang Pu Sila Sirichantho, the former abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin.
Luang Pu Sila Sirichantho(หลวงปู่ศิลา สิริจันโท)
The former abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin in Kalasin Province.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thinnakorn Rangmat(พล.ต.ท.ทินกร รังมาตย์)
Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Songklod Kroekkrittaya(พล.ต.ต.ทรงกลด เกริกกฤตยา)
Commander of Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 3.
Pol. Col. Arunpan Wanichanan(พ.ต.อ.อรุณณพันธ์ วานิช์ชานันท์)
Superintendent 1 of Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 3.
Pol. Lt. Col. Teerasak Narasri(พ.ต.ท.ธีรศักดิ์ นราศรี)
Deputy Superintendent 1 of Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 3.
Pol. Lt. Col. Supanut Ketkaew(พ.ต.ท.ศุภณัฏฐ์ เกตุแก้ว)
Inspector of Division 1, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 3.
Wilawan(วิลาวัลย์)
A 27-year-old suspect who served as a page administrator.
Panthong(พานทอง)
A 20-year-old suspect who served as a page administrator.
Watanyoo(วทัญญู)
A 36-year-old suspect, page owner, and company director who benefited from the sales.

Organization

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 3(บก.สอท.3)
The police unit responsible for the investigation and arrests in this case.
Wat Phra That Muen Hin(วัดพระธาตุหมื่นหิน)
The temple in Kalasin Province that did not authorize the commercial use of Luang Pu Sila's image.
Kalasin Provincial Court(ศาลจังหวัดกาฬสินธุ์)
The court that issued the arrest warrant for Watanyoo.

Place

Lat Phrao(ลาดพร้าว)
The district in Bangkok where two search targets were located.
Phayao(พะเยา)ℹ️
The province where Watanyoo was arrested.
Kalasin(กาฬสินธุ์)ℹ️
The province where Wat Phra That Muen Hin is located.