Wanted Couple Caught in Trang After Defrauding Millions and Terrorising Locals with Gunfire

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A couple on the run from four fraud charges amounting to over 8 million baht has been arrested in Trang province after being linked to a drug network and accused of intimidating locals with gunfire. Both suspects have confessed to all charges.

Acting on intelligence, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau, under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, launched the operation with teams from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and Trang Provincial Police. The arrests were carried out in Moo 7, Khao Khao Subdistrict, Huai Yot District.

The suspects were named as Ms. Panida Sukkuea, 22, and her partner, Mr. Somsak Thongkaew, 38. Ms. Panida was wanted under a warrant issued by Pathum Thani Provincial Court on 15 August 2024 for computer-related fraud, identity deception, and public fraud. Additional warrants from three other jurisdictions, Lue Amnat, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Mueang Pan, bring her total to four fraud charges involving damages exceeding 7.7 million baht.

Police apprehended the couple at a rented room, seizing a homemade .38-calibre pistol and five rounds of ammunition. The arrest followed complaints from residents that Mr. Somsak had fired shots in the area and threatened members of the community, creating widespread fear. He was also suspected of being involved in a local drug trafficking network.

Further background checks revealed that Mr. Somsak has a lengthy criminal history involving drugs and firearms. His prior charges include methamphetamine use in 2011, illegal possession of a licensed firearm in 2015, and possession of methamphetamines for distribution in 2019.

During questioning, both suspects admitted to the charges. They are now in the custody of Huai Yot Police and will be prosecuted according to the law.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-02.