11-year-old loses B1 million in Pokémon card scam

An 11-year-old Thai boy has lost more than 1 million baht after falling victim to a scam involving rare Pokémon cards, according to at least 25 people who have filed police complaints. The suspect, referred to only as "Mr Mor," allegedly offered to source sought-after collectibles from overseas, promising to deliver genuine products to build trust with collectors and traders in Thailand's trading card community.

Initially, the suspect appeared reputable, delivering genuine items to satisfy early orders. However, as orders grew larger, he began failing to deliver the goods, citing customs, tax, and import-related issues, before disappearing from contact and shutting down his Facebook trading page. The losses reported by victims exceed 5 million baht, with many of the victims being young collectors who participate in the hobby as a source of income.

Police are seeking legal action against "Mr Mor," urging authorities to locate him and determine if additional victims exist. The case highlights the growing issue of fraud in Thailand's trading card market, as rare and limited-edition cards command high prices, attracting both collectors and investors, including younger individuals.