Buffet Scammers in Thailand Sentenced to 14 Centuries of Jail Time

The Criminal Court sentenced the owners of a seafood restaurant in Thailand to 14 centuries in prison for scamming customers into paying in advance for all-you-can-eat meals that were never served.

Apichat Bancharak and Prapassorn Bawornbancha of Laemgate Infinite Co. were found guilty of false advertising, fraud, and computer crimes.

With hundreds of charges filed against the two due to numerous victims, the court sentenced both to a cumulative 1,446 years in prison.

But 99 percent was shaved off from their sentences due to their admissions of guilt.

The defendants would each serve sentences of 20 years each and a $58,235 fine.

The court also fined their company over $97,000.

Their former restaurant, which was last located at the Lat Phrao intersection, rose to fame due to celebrity endorsements and extensive promotions.

Last year, the restaurant began selling all-you-can-eat package deals through its website and social media.

It offered the "Hard-Core Fans" deal that would feed 30 diners for $97. It led over 20,000 customers to make reservations through advanced payments.

Another popular offering was the "King of the Sea," which sold for $28.47, covering 10 diners.

But in March 2019, the 20,000 paying customers were surprised to read the restaurant's announcement via social media that all the reservations were canceled due to a "lack of ingredients."

Over 2,000 of them filed complaints at the Consumer Protection Board.