Three massage shop employees in Pattaya have alleged that men claiming to be police officers took them to a Jomtien room, threatened them over drugs and extorted 7,500 baht for their release. The three complainants approached the media at 10.30pm on 2 August 2026, bringing CCTV footage which they say shows three men entering a massage shop on Pattaya Third Road, Chonburi. CCTV footage recorded at 8.17am that day reportedly shows the men arriving on motorcycles. One wore an orange motorcycle-taxi vest, while the other two had covered their faces. One was carrying an object resembling an electric baton. Taken to Jomtien room The workers said the men identified themselves as police investigators and searched the premises for drugs and illegal items. Although nothing illegal was found, the group allegedly said the employees would be taken for drug testing. They said they were forced onto motorcycles and taken to a room in Soi Jomtien 12, described as a "safe house". Video and picture courtesy of สายข่าวพัทยา At the room, the workers reportedly found a former female employee of the shop, who they said had previously been detained by the same group. They believe she may have provided information to the men. The complainants alleged that the men produced drugs and drug-taking equipment, and attempted to force them to take drugs. The workers said they refused, while the alleged offenders used drugs in front of them. They further claimed they were threatened with drug charges unless they agreed to act as informants and lure foreign nationals into drug-buying operations. Money demanded for release After the workers refused to cooperate, the group allegedly demanded 5,000 baht from each person, later reducing the demand to 3,000 baht each. Their phones were allegedly taken and they were made to call relatives to borrow money. A total of 7,500 baht was transferred to an account specified by the group, the workers said. They also said they were kept separately in different rooms. Even after the money was paid, one person was allegedly told to remain and work for the group before all three were eventually released. Police collecting CCTV and banking evidence The shop staff said the men had also asked for personal details and the owner's address, leaving them deeply frightened. The owner expressed concern that the case could escalate in a similar way to a recently reported abduction and murder case involving people claiming to be police. The employees have filed a report with Pattaya City Police Station. Police said they had contacted a man identified by the complainants as one of the alleged offenders, but he denied involvement and did not attend an interview. Investigators are now gathering CCTV footage, financial-transfer records and witness statements as they seek to identify and prosecute those responsible. AQOcqEjY5EoagOkyyDJMlkki5MkwhR3D8sUEfMMH2D0OgGzyfpdVDHzRMf56fXLXZ9Pyce2qveeU8SEFiaEQ0EVVIsCDLGV7JCWkJrBe6A.mp4 Join the discussion? 3 August 2026
View full article
