Over the past two to three weeks, no news in this country has made headlines and stirred public outrage quite like the scandal involving a direct sales company accused of operating with the intent to deceive the public. The company allegedly used celebrities and well-known figures to build credibility, ultimately leading many unsuspecting individuals to fall victim to the scheme — with total damages reaching into the billions of baht.

As for who is right or wrong, the facts will need to be determined through the legal process.

But a question I am often asked in relation to this case is: Why do so many people involved — whether the so-called "bosses" (there are several) or those who extorted money from the bosses — appear, at least on the surface, to be such decent people? Many of them have impressive profiles: they’re well-groomed, well-spoken, and seem trustworthy. Their expressions and demeanor convey confidence and composure. It's difficult to detect any signs of deceit. Some even have records of charitable work or play major roles in anti-corruption organizations. How could such people become criminals?

When we think of criminals, we often picture the stereotypical villains from old Thai movies — rough-looking, intimidating, with mustaches and loud, aggressive voices. When we encounter someone who is polite, sweet-spoken, and physically attractive, we tend to cast them in the role of a protagonist — someone we naturally assume to be good. This cognitive bias is common. But how does a "hero" turn into a "villain"? Let’s explore further.

What I’d like to share today begins with an introduction to a condition known as Antisocial Personality Disorder — a term often misunderstood. Many people think it refers to someone who dislikes socializing, but that’s not the case. In reality, Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) refers to a pattern of behavior where a person consistently disregards and violates the moral and legal norms of society. Some might describe individuals with this personality as "born criminals."

In many crime and detective films from abroad, you'll also hear similar terms like psychopath or sociopath, which generally refer to the same type of personality traits.

People with Antisocial Personality Disorder often exhibit certain identifiable traits, which serve as diagnostic criteria for professionals:

• A persistent inability to conform to social norms or legal expectations.
  These individuals often violate rules in every environment they are part of — from cheating on exams and skipping school as students, to misusing authority or embezzling funds at work. Even within their own families, they may act in ways that harm or exploit others.