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Published on December 5, 2007

Arrest warrants would also be obtained for three of its directors.

Police had barricaded the main office of Siam Foods Franchise, which operated Bangkok Noodles Ua Arthorn, in Wang Thonglang district and set up 24-hour security in the area to prevent a robbery or break-in.

A large number of suppliers of ingredients and equipment to the firm had gathered at the main office hoping to terminate their contracts but found only police officers guarding the building.

Many of them later filed public fraud charges against the firm and its directors.

At the firm's main office, a mock-up of a fruit juice stall was set up, prompting speculation that Siam Foods Franchise was in the process of launching a new business scheme, before a group of 200 people submitted a joint complaint to the DSI on Monday.

Thanongsak Bunkhrob, a company director, was yesterday charged with public fraud and violation of a 1984 law designed to curb pyramid scheme operations. The DSI spokesman said the three other directors subject to the same charges were Sermsak Unnoi, Watcharaphorn Uthai and Choophong Pinthong.

He said warrants and seizure of assets could have been affected today had it not been a public holiday. The DSI would announce tomorrow what further action they will take against the firm and the directors.

Justice Department Permanent-Secretary Charan Phakdithanakul said earlier he had given an order that the main objective of the DSI's action against Siam Foods Franchise was that it needed to retain as much money as possible belonging to the franchisers.

 Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai

 The Nation