NAKHON RATCHASIMA - The father of a con artist who scammed over five million baht worth of gold from a trader has returned the gold to its rightful owner.

Uthai Kasemthang, head of Sri Kai Tambon Administrative Organisation in  Ubon Rachathani province,  contacted the police offering to return the 20 baht weight of gold to the owner of the Phetsuwan gold shop.

Mr Uthai’s son, Sahachart Kasemthang, is wanted by the police for defrauding the gold trader using loopholes in the banking system and writing bad cheques.

The father, on Thursday, travelled to Nakhon Ratchasima, and returned the gold. His action was witnessed by provincial police chief  Pol Col Sonthaya Teadeangphet.

Mr Uthai  told police his son, who is on the run, contacted him a few days after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

“He asked me to get his car which he had  abandoned in Udon Thani province,” the father said.

Mr Uthai said he found the gold in the car so he contacted the police to return it to the owner.

Police have asked Mr Uthai to try to persuade his son to turn himself in if he contacts his family again.