BANGKOK: A wantan noodle seller had to hire a lawyer after the Thai Revenue Department decided to investigate his wealth.
Rangsan, 57, owner of the 'Hong Te' wantan noodle shop located in a village near Chaeng Wattana Nonthaburi Road, gained fame on social media for his gold chains and bracelets worn during work.
Many netizens have nicknamed him 'Kek Sia' due to his penchant for gold jewellery.
In a report yesterday, Rangsan expressed his concern after the Revenue Department announced its intention to examine his wealth, although he claims to have earned it honestly.
Rangsan stated he spent around 80,000 baht (RM10,200) from selling land to his sister to buy some gold jewellery.
He also said he had saved money from selling noodles over the past 32 years to buy additional gold jewellery weighing 375gm, costing one million baht (RM127,384).
He added that he saved 1,000 baht (RM127) daily, without spending it, and avoided buying luxury coffee brands, opting instead for home-cooked meals with his family.
"I saved money to buy a large gold chain because it motivates me to keep working," he said.
Lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet from the Justice Advocacy Network said there was nothing to worry about regarding the Revenue Department's action, given that the daily profit from selling noodles was only around 2,000 baht (RM255).
He does not expect Rangsan's income to exceed 1.8 million baht (RM229,500) annually and added that wantan noodle vendors sometimes incurred losses.
"I have known Sia Cake since childhood," he said, noting that he passed Rangsan's noodle stall daily and was aware of the vendor's frugality.
He said the Revenue Department was entitled to investigate Rangsan as part of their procedure but advised that the vendor not to panic after reading such news reports.