On May 26, 2025, hundreds of runners gathered at the Prawet police station in Bangkok to file complaints against the organizer of the Suan Luang Rama 9 run, alleging that the event never took place despite their registration and payment. Approximately 1,800 participants had signed up and paid in advance for the run, only to find that the promised race and associated activities did not occur as planned.
The organizer, a businessman, reportedly distributed T-shirts, wristwatches, and hats to around 600 runners before the event, according to police reports. However, many participants expressed dissatisfaction with the overall execution and accused the organizer of deception.
One runner, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that she learned about the event, called “Run for Destination 2025,” through Facebook and trusted the credibility of the sponsors involved. She paid 2,000 baht for a VIP registration, expecting full access to the event and its amenities. Upon arriving at the venue this morning, she found the setup lacking basic necessities such as snacks, drinking water, and a timing system. There were no organized activities beyond a simple start gate adorned with an orange banner displaying the event’s name, date, and some sponsor logos.
After speaking with other participants, she and many others realized they had been misled, with no proper race or supporting arrangements in place. The disappointment among the runners quickly turned into frustration and demands for accountability.
Pol Colonel Tosaphol Ampaiphiphatkul, superintendent of Prawet police, confirmed that authorities are actively gathering evidence to determine whether the organizer committed fraud. If sufficient proof is found, formal charges will be filed against the individual responsible.
One of the event’s staff members stated that about 60 workers had been deployed at various points along the running route and at Rama 9 public park to assist and guide participants. Each staff member was reportedly paid 500 baht. A staffer named Paneesara said this was her first engagement with the organizer, who initially scheduled the event for January 26, 2024, but later postponed it to the current date.
Paneesara added that on May 21, she was sued by the organizer over allegations that she had mishandled the sale of roughly 100 T-shirts, each valued at about 600 baht, an accusation she denies.
The incident has sparked calls for closer oversight of event organizers to prevent similar occurrences in the future and protect consumers from fraudulent activities.
