Picture courtesy of ThaiPost

 

A 17-year-old girl named Chompoo has been rescued by police after being held by a call centre gang that attempted to extort 500,000 baht from her grandmother, Banjong, threatening to sell the girl at the border if their demands were not met.

 

On 1st April, Chompoo went missing from her home, prompting a distressed phone call to Banjong. The caller claimed Chompoo had borrowed money from loan sharks and demanded a hefty ransom for her release. The following morning, the gang contacted Banjong again, stating that Chompoo was in Mae Sot district, Tak province, pressing for payment.

 

Unable to secure the full amount, Banjong transferred 30,000 baht as a part payment but sensibly alerted the police for assistance. Responding swiftly, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom assigned Police Major Generals Nopasin Poolsawat and Chotiwat Lueangwilai to track down Chompoo, fearing for her safety.

 

 

 

Their efforts led to the discovery of Chompoo in a room in Mueang district, Uthai Thani province, where she was alone, under the coercive control of the gang through phone communication. The timely intervention by the police ensured her safe rescue before the gang could act further.

 

Chompoo has since been reunited with her relieved grandmother, while law enforcement now aims to extend their investigation. Police are gathering evidence on the call centre gang, intending to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and extortion attempt.

 

This case underscores the critical importance of prompt police action and serves as a stern reminder of the dangers posed by organised crime exploiting technology to target vulnerable individuals, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-03

 

 

On 4/3/2025 at 4:36 PM, snoop1130 said:

held by a call centre gang

 

Held by a kidnapping gang, no?