Robbery Took Place During Fake Cryptocurrency Deal
On May 27, 2025, authorities in Chiang Mai, Thailand, apprehended 34-year-old Eng Chee Hon from Malaysia in connection with the robbery of Tan Liaing, a Chinese university student and social media personality.
The incident took place in the evening of May 25 in the parking lot of a luxury condominium on Tha Phae Road, Mueang District.
According to reports, Eng had previously dealt with Tan in cryptocurrency exchanges and arranged to meet him again, offering a favourable rate.
Threatened Victim at Knifepoint, Fled With Cash
Tan had brought 135,000 baht (approx. S$5,320) in cash to the meeting location. However, instead of completing the deal, Eng allegedly threatened him with a knife, grabbed the money, and fled on a motorcycle.
According to Chiang Mai News, the suspect used an orange-and-black Honda Super X motorcycle and was wearing the same clothes recovered later during the arrest.
CCTV Helped Track Down the Suspect
Following this, police from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station reviewed CCTV footage from the scene, which allowed them to trace Eng’s movements and arrest him at a condominium in San Sai District.
Officers recovered 101,160 baht (approx.S$3,986), the suspect’s clothes from the day of the robbery, and the motorcycle.
Robbery Motivated by Lack of Travel Funds
During questioning, Eng confessed to the robbery, claiming he had run out of money while travelling in Chiang Mai.
According to The Thaiger, Eng told police he had travelled to Thailand on the invitation of a Vietnamese acquaintance and had become involved with a Burmese woman he met during his visit.
Eng said he came up with the plan to rob Tan after he ran out of money from daily drinking and partying. He contacted Tan with a fake crypto deal to lure him into bringing cash.
Background: Eyewear Vendor, Cryptocurrency Trader, and Gambler
Eng’s background includes working in Malaysia as an eyewear salesman and operating a cryptocurrency trading business.
He is also said to be a gambler who funded much of his trip through earnings from both online and in-person betting.
Facing Robbery and Immigration Charges
Upon his arrest, it was discovered that Eng had overstayed his visa. He is now facing two criminal charges.
- Robbery involving the use or threat of violence under Section 339 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, punishable by 5–10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 (approx. S$ 3,939) to 200,000 baht (approx. S$7,877).
- Overstaying a visa under Section 81 of the Immigration Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht (approx. S$7,877), or both.
.
Featured photos courtesy of Chiang Mai News
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Thai Woman Hit by Husband With a Gun for Waking Him Up, Suffers Head Injury Requiring 4 Stitches
Thailand Theme Park’s Two-Way Mirror in Men’s Toilets Sparks Backlash
Fire Breaks Out at Thailand’s Cannabis Farm, Leaving Residents Dazed and Laughing
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
