Four Thai police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after allegedly detaining five Chinese nationals and demanding money in exchange for their release.
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The arrests were made at 2.30pm on May 16 at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo. Officers from Wang Sombun Police Station seized four firearms, 24 rounds of ammunition and two pickup trucks during the operation.
Those arrested were identified as Pol Snr Sgt Maj Paphawin, 43, attached to the Highway Police Bureau, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wutthikorn, 39, from Khlong Hat Police Station in Sa Kaeo, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Somchai, 45, also from Khlong Hat Police Station, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Pichet, 41, from Ban Plong Police Station in Chanthaburi, and civilian Nattanun, 41, from Chum Saeng district in Nakhon Sawan.
Investigators said the four officers were charged with unlawful detention, abuse of authority, coercion for personal gain and misconduct by public officials. The civilian suspect was charged with supporting the offences.
The case emerged after immigration police officer Acting Pol Lt Col Raweesak Suriyaphak, assigned to Pathum Thani Immigration, received a Line message seeking urgent help from five Chinese nationals. The group claimed they were being held against their will and forced to pay for their freedom.
Authorities traced the location to the property in Wang Sombun district. When officers arrived, they found five Chinese nationals and one Thai driver at the scene. Investigators said the Chinese nationals appeared relieved when officials identified themselves and entered the property.
According to police, the victims said they had been detained at the house since 2am on May 16. They alleged the suspects handcuffed them and demanded 300,000 baht each, in exchange for their release. Police said two of the Chinese nationals had already transferred 60,000 baht, to the suspects. Officers recovered transfer slips as evidence.
Investigators later confirmed that the four police officers had initially detained the Chinese nationals and the Thai driver for alleged immigration offences. However, instead of taking them to investigators for legal proceedings, they allegedly transported them to the house and attempted to extort money from them.
Police said all five suspects confessed to the offences during questioning. The suspects were formally informed of the charges before being taken into custody for further legal action. Khaosod reported that the case is expected to be handled by investigators at Wang Sombun Police Station as authorities continue legal proceedings against the accused officers and their alleged accomplice.
Picture courtesy of Khaosod
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 18 May 2026