The much-anticipated “Run for Destination 2025” scheduled for May 25, 2025, at Suan Luang Rama IX Park (Daoruang Gate) turned into a dramatic incident when no organizers, staff, or event setups were present on the event day. Thousands of runners, who had traveled to participate, were left frustrated and eventually gathered to file complaints at the Prawet Police Station.
On May 25, Pol. Col. Thossaphol Ampaipipatkul, superintendent of Prawet Police Station, revealed that the organizers are currently under interrogation. The event was supposed to be hosted by the owners of a well-known company. The organizers claimed they had genuine intentions to hold the run, having distributed bibs, shirts, watches, and caps to about 600 of the 1,800 registered participants. Authorities are now verifying the details of the claimed distributions and the listed delivery methods—whether items were picked up on-site, in advance, or mailed.
If found guilty, the case could involve charges of fraud under consumer protection and computer crime laws, as well as civil liabilities. Authorities are collecting evidence and contacting agencies that authorized the event venue, managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Environment Department.
Victims were advised to file formal police reports or provide details through a Google form for case consolidation. Whether refunds will be issued remains uncertain as it falls under civil proceedings. The organizers stated they would handle the matter transparently and swiftly.
Mrs. Panisara, a hired event staffer, said she and 62 others were contracted at 500 baht each to distribute water and guide runners. Despite arriving and setting up, the event did not take place. She noticed the setup was unprofessional, with inadequate sound and lighting, and a launch area resembling a kindergarten display. Though some medals were seen in the morning, they were too few for the expected crowd.
It was her first time working with these organizers, and although she eventually received her wages (totaling over 30,000 baht), payments had been delayed multiple times. The main contacts were via phone and chat with people named Ice, Oo, and Phueng—none of whom she met in person.
Additionally, Mrs. Panisara disclosed she was recently sued by the organizers on May 21 for allegedly defrauding them over race shirt sales. She had been asked to sell 100 shirts at 600–650 baht each and kept a 50-baht commission per shirt as agreed. She sold out and transferred 60,000 baht to the organizers, retaining 5,000 baht as her share. She insists she has full proof of the transaction and that the withheld amount was part of their agreement.