Thai durian tycoon offers $920 for people to slap son’s mistress

The tycoon, who owns a major durian warehouse in Lang Suan district in Thailand’s southern province of Chumphon, aired his son’s affair and made the offer in a Facebook post earlier this week.

"To every gang in Lang Suan district, I’m willing to pay 30,000 baht to anyone who assaults my son’s mistress. You must slap her in the face at least ten times," he said, as quoted by local newswire Thaiger, adding that the woman "deserves it because she’s having an affair."

Arnon went on to explain that the woman had previously worked for him and had married his nephew but subsequently got involved with his married son.

He said his post was meant to defend his innocent daughter-in-law and convince his son to break off the affair.

Thai durian tycoon Arnon Rodthong. Photo from Arnon Rodthong's Facebook

The post quickly caught the attention of Thai netizens, some of whom commended him for standing up for his daughter-in-law while others pointed out that the post was likely illegal for encouraging violence, according to Mothership.

Recognizing the possible legal implications, Arnon withdrew the offer and instead severed ties with his son, declaring that he would take back all assets previously registered under his son’s name and give them to his granddaughter.

This is not the first time the durian tycoon has gone viral. In 2019, he made headlines after announcing a tournament to find a husband for his youngest daughter, offering a prize of 10 million baht and inheritance of his durian business, Khaosod English reported.

Reports at the time said his company, one of the largest durian distributors in southern Thailand, was purchasing 40 to 50 tons of fruit daily from farmers and had invested in real estate.

The tournament was later called off after public attention began to disrupt his family life and business operations.