The Police Protection and Suppression Division launched "Operation Close Game Omi," targeting a mother-stepfather network that forced their 14-year-old daughter to lure older men into sexual encounters, then extorted money. Several victims lost more than 8 million baht.
At 10:30 a.m. on 15 Jan at the press conference room, 2nd floor, Crime Suppression Division headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaonasai, Commissioner of the Police Protection and Suppression Division, along with Pol. Maj. Gen. Monthon Thetsakun, Deputy Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the Protection Division, Pol. Col. Korkiat Wuttichamnong, Chief of Division 1, and Pol. Lt. Col. Korkiat Kiattitang, Investigator of Division 1, jointly announced the arrest of three suspects: Ms. Chompoonuch, 36; Mr. Boonrit, 57; and Mr. Kannarech, 49, all wanted by the Criminal Court.
They face charges of being members of a criminal group that conceals its operations and aims to commit illegal acts, jointly committing extortion by coercing others for their own or others’ benefit, and money laundering. The arrests were made at their residences in Don Slaep Subdistrict, Huai Krachao District, Kanchanaburi Province, and two other homes in Bang Man Subdistrict, Mueang Singburi District.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak said the case began when four victims came to report to investigators of Division 1, Protection and Suppression Division, accusing Ms. Chompoonuch and associates. They testified that Ms. Chompoonuch exploited her biological daughter, a 14-year-old girl referred to as Ning (alias), in acts constituting extortion or related offenses. The incidents occurred across Ang Thong, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi Provinces, and Bangkok, involving multiple jurisdictions.
Pol. Col. Korkiat said after receiving the victims’ reports, investigators thoroughly examined the facts and found that Ms. Chompoonuch used her 14-year-old daughter’s identity to register on dating apps, falsifying her age as over 18. She contacted well-off men through online channels, sometimes impersonating her daughter to build close, affectionate conversations. Ms. Chompoonuch planned with Mr. Boonrit, who claimed to be Ning’s father, to meet each victim with the hidden intent of facilitating sexual relations between the victims and the child.
Pol. Col. Korkiat added that after arranging hotel meetings, Ms. Chompoonuch and Mr. Boonrit would escort the daughter to a room, while booking the adjacent room for themselves. Once they saw the daughter have sex with the victim and they separated, Ms. Chompoonuch, waiting next door, would retrieve her daughter to confirm the encounter. Upon confirmation, Ms. Chompoonuch and Mr. Boonrit would call the victim, inform them that Ning was under 18, and threaten to report them unless they paid extortion money ranging from 2 to 4 million baht to avoid prosecution.
Pol. Col. Korkiat further explained that financial investigations showed the suspects divided responsibilities clearly, concealed their methods, and created multiple false identities to pressure victims. Mr. Kannarech would call victims claiming to be a police station chief in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, while Mr. Boonrit, the stepfather, posed as the girl's biological father to jointly plan threats and extortion.
If victims refused to pay, the suspects would file complaints at local police stations where the incidents occurred and use the reports to intimidate the victims. Once victims agreed to pay, the suspects would tear up the complaint documents to show they would not pursue the case. However, since Ning is under 15, the four victims were prosecuted by local police for statutory rape, indecency, and abduction of a minor under 15.
Further investigation revealed the suspects had extorted several victims, collecting over 8 million baht. They laundered the money by converting assets, such as purchasing gold, vehicles, and land worth approximately 5 to 8 million baht. Authorities gathered evidence, obtained court warrants for search and arrest, and then conducted raids leading to the arrests.
Seized items included three bank passbooks, three land title deeds, 40 gold necklaces and amulets, mobile phones, a shotgun, and assets worth over 4 million baht. All suspects denied the charges during interrogation and were handed over to investigators of Division 1, Protection and Suppression Division, to proceed with legal action and continue investigating other involved parties.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak also warned the public to exercise caution when using social media, as criminals may exploit children and youths in crimes such as human trafficking or online luring. Especially concerning are illegal meetings involving minors tied to financial or illicit gains. Anyone encountering scams, threats, or impersonation of officials seeking money should immediately report to police.
Reports indicate that after the four victims were prosecuted by local police, they learned of other victims similarly abused by the suspects. They united to report the case to Division 1, Protection and Suppression Division, leading to the charges against all suspects. Authorities believe there are likely more victims subjected to similar abuses.