Thai Police Officers and Civilian Arrested for Alleged Extortion of Chinese Nationals in Sa Kaeo
Five police officers and one civilian have been arrested in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province for allegedly detaining and attempting to extort 300,000 baht from each of five Chinese nationals. The arrests on May 16 followed a distress call from the victims to immigration officers via the LINE app, leading to a police raid and the rescue of the Chinese citizens.
Thai authorities in Sa Kaeo province have apprehended five police officers and one civilian on charges of illegally detaining and attempting to extort substantial sums from five Chinese nationals. Each victim was allegedly demanded 300,000 baht (approximately US$10,000). Another police officer believed to be involved remains at large.
The arrests took place on Saturday, May 16, after officers from Wang Somboon Police Station received information from the Sa Kaeo Provincial Immigration Office. The immigration officials were alerted by the five Chinese citizens, who urgently contacted them via the LINE application, reporting they were being held captive at a house in Sa Kaeo. Police promptly responded, raiding the property around 11 AM.
Upon arrival, officers found the five Chinese nationals outside the residence, visibly relieved by the presence of law enforcement. The victims informed investigators that they had been detained since approximately 2 AM that day. The suspects reportedly handcuffed them and demanded US$10,000 from each individual in exchange for their freedom. Before the police raid, two of the victims had already transferred US$2,000 each to the suspects, providing transfer receipts as evidence.
Investigators subsequently identified four of the suspects as active police officers. Authorities indicated that these officers initially detained the Chinese nationals under the pretext of illegal entry into Thailand but then proceeded to demand money instead of following proper legal procedures. The suspects promised to release the victims upon payment of the requested amounts. The arrested officers were identified as Police Senior Sergeant Majors Paphawin, Wuttikorn, Somchai, and Phichate, while the civilian suspect was named Nattanan. Police also seized firearms, ammunition, and two pickup trucks from the property. The Chinese nationals further reported that another suspect, believed to be a police officer, was also present during the incident and is currently at large.