Police Chief probes alleged links to Chonburi killer

Thailand's national police chief has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that a murder suspect in Chonburi worked for a police officer, collecting methamphetamine tablets and pursuing drug debts.

The inquiry concerns Thana Kerdthong, known as Pong, who has been accused in the killings of two Russian siblings and and a family of three, involving the five bodies being buried in Chonburi province.

Police were acting after claims that Pong had taken someone to collect drugs from a senior figure allegedly serving at Huay Yai Police Station in Chonburi. The allegations were aired by a victim during an appearance on the Hone Krasae television programme.

Phones to be examined

At 2pm on 3 August 2026, Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phewpan, deputy inspector-general and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had ordered a fast and thorough fact-finding investigation.

The Chonburi provincial police commander has been instructed to report the findings without delay.

Trairong said supervisors had also been ordered to urgently examine the mobile phone of the officer named in the allegations, in an effort to find supporting evidence.

"If the evidence is clear, legal proceedings must be taken in line with the law," Trairong said, adding that any other officers found to be involved would face equally firm action.

Disciplinary and criminal action promised

Kitrat has instructed relevant units to handle the matter carefully, fairly and directly. If an officer is found to have supported criminal activity or received benefits, the police chief said action would be taken under both disciplinary and criminal law, without exception.

Trairong said the Royal Thai Police would not protect corrupt or criminal officers. He said any progress supported by evidence would be reported to the police chief and the public.

The claims have not been established, and the investigation is intended to determine whether there is evidence connecting any police officer to Pong's alleged activities.

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4 August 2026

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