DSI Arrests 'Coach James' in Illegal Forex Trading Case at Airport

On July 14, 2025, officers from the DSI's Investigation and Intelligence Division, working with police from the Investigation and Suppression Division and Immigration Bureau Region 2, arrested Theeraphong, alias 'Coach James,' one of two suspects named in a court arrest warrant. He faces charges under the Computer Crime Act of 2007 and fraud charges under Section 343 of the Criminal Code for operating as an introducing broker (IB) without authorization.

Theeraphong's role involved advising clients on forex trading and directing them to brokers within his network. Investigators found that the IB group's financial flows were interconnected with brokerage firms and payment service companies that numerous victims had filed complaints against.

Theeraphong was apprehended upon entry to Thailand from the United Arab Emirates at Suvarnabhumi Airport around 9:00 a.m. Officers recorded video and audio throughout the arrest and transfer process in compliance with anti-torture laws. He was brought to the DSI's Technology and Information Crimes Division at Government Center Building C, 9th Floor, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok, for further legal proceedings.

When questioned by reporters at the center at 11:25 a.m., Theeraphong, dressed in a black t-shirt and black shorts without a mask or handcuffs, smiled but declined to comment. His lawyer, Amorn Kusol, requested that no questions be asked about case details and stated he would provide any necessary statements. Amorn denied all charges, including violations of the Computer Crime Act and fraud, and expressed surprise that a court warrant had been issued despite prior submissions of investigative points.

Justice Minister Rutthapol Naorawat confirmed that the DSI had arrested Theeraphong as one of the master group members and investment recruiters in the forex scheme. Regarding bail, authorities will determine whether to release him on bail or remand him to custody pending trial.