***File photo images from archives
The Crime Suppression Division arrested "Achariya Ruangrattanapong" after the court approved an arrest warrant in an extortion case involving the Immigration Police Chief and six accomplices before taking them to search their residence. The suspect denies the charges.
At 15:30 on 21 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Natsak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, Chief of the Crime Suppression Division, Pol. Col. Pathak Khwana, Deputy Chief, and Pol. Col. Jetanipat Siriwat, Chief of Division 1, to lead the arrest of Achariya Ruangrattanapong, Chairman of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, along with six others including a deputy police commander affiliated with the Border Patrol Police. All were charged with extortion and arrested at T-House on Rama VI Road, Phaya Thai Subdistrict, Phaya Thai District.
This arrest stems from late February 2026 when the Immigration Detention Chief presented documentary evidence of Achariya’s live broadcasts exposing a scheme involving the release of detained Chinese suspects. These suspects were held for repatriation but were detained by local police stations on new charges. After the Immigration detention unit released them to local police, settlements were made before the suspects were freed.
Subsequently, Achariya allegedly extorted Pol. Col. Watcharapol Kanjanakantr, Chief of Division 3 of the Investigation Bureau, Immigration Bureau, demanding 2.5 million baht. The detention chief, fearing damage to his reputation, reluctantly paid the amount. Accomplices of Achariya received the money but continued to demand further payments, threatening to expose more live broadcasts if unpaid. This led the detention chief to file a formal complaint.
After arresting Achariya, he initially denied the charges. Crime Suppression Division officers then conducted a search of his residence in the Suksawat area for evidence. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing the deputy Border Patrol Police commander suspect.