A DIRECTOR of the financially beleaguered property firm Coconut Montana Co. Ltd has been arrested after being charged with labor fraud, a press release e-mailed to Samui Express said.

Boonruen “Aoy” Boonsong was reportedly arrested by the Samui police at Plai Laem Soi 8, Bophut, in the afternoon of May 30 on the basis of a warrant of apprehension issued by the Suratthani Provincial Court on April 1.

It was alleged that Boonruen, together with her co-directors, defrauded Coconut Montana workers contrary to s 344 of the Criminal Code and contravened the provisions of the Labor Act BE 2531 (as amended).

Samui police were alerted to the presence of Boonruen by Brian Goudie, who is now assisting many of the 150 Coco workers who have not been paid their wages for over 18 months, and who had obtained certified copies of the warrant of apprehension.

Mr. Goudie was previously appointed as interim general manager of Coconut Montana, along with Sonsak Na Pattalung as interim chief executive officer before a shareholders’ meeting appointing them was declared illegal by the Ministry of Commerce.

It was previously reported that Zdenco Ivancic was one of the workers alleged to have been defrauded. Mr. Ivancic was present at the arrest of Boonruen.

Other directors for whom warrants have been issued have been placed on airport-alert list to prevent their exit from Thailand.