Kasetsart University Warns of Kidnapping and Ransom Scams Targeting Students

Bangkok, Thailand - Kasetsart University has circulated an urgent message across student Facebook pages and chat groups warning of scammers infiltrating the campus to lure and abduct students for ransom, according to Naewna newspaper on July 21. Chats among faculty and students indicated that a business administration student was abducted. Cybercriminals reportedly used social media to lure the student to a meeting, then forced her into a vehicle. The student was later safely rescued. During the incident, parents and friends were unable to contact the victim. GPS tracking, however, showed her location in Sisaket province, raising concerns that scammers might be attempting to smuggle her across the border to Cambodia. Chat groups also mentioned that police questioned the student’s friends at their dormitory in connection with the case. Later updates from the community news team and student groups confirmed the student's safe rescue. The victim, along with a professor, is currently providing statements to investigators at Bang Khen police station as evidence is gathered to apprehend the perpetrators. Student Safety Warning Faculty members, particularly from the Marketing Department of the Faculty of Business Administration, along with the Kasetsart University community news team, have issued a warning to all students to exercise extreme caution. The following recommendations apply: * Do not trust strangers who approach you or offer to sell courses/products within the university premises. * Do not get involved with or follow any unknown person, regardless of the reason. * Be cautious of any strange messages sent to your social media inbox; verify their authenticity. * If you encounter anyone with suspicious behavior, immediately distance yourself and report it to university security. Official confirmation of the case details by the police and the university is still awaited. Information Source: Thai Newsroom