The National Police spokesperson, together with the Central Investigation Bureau chief, announced the dismantling of a 2.5 million baht extortion ring targeting the chief of the Immigration detention room at Suan Phlu. They arrested "Genius" along with six associates, who divided roles to use reputation for contact, intimidation, and money collection. Victims, pressured to pay, were further exposed. Authorities confirmed prosecution based on evidence without harassment, ordered a crackdown on corruption, suspended seven officers, and are expanding investigations nationwide.
At 13:30 on 22 April 2026, at the second-floor press room of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, Deputy Inspector General of Police and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, joined Police Lieutenant General Natsak Chawanasai, CIB chief; Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy CIB chief; Police Colonel Pathak Khwana, deputy head of the Crime Suppression Division; and Police Lieutenant Colonel Jetanipat Siriwat, head of Division 1, CSD, to jointly announce the arrest of a group extorting 2.5 million baht inside the Immigration detention room at Suan Phlu.
Police Lieutenant General Natsak revealed that in mid-February 2026, a victim filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division's investigators, reporting that a group had demanded money in exchange for not revealing damaging information that could harm the victim's reputation. The victim had already paid over 2.5 million baht, but the suspects continued to disclose the information, causing further harm. This prompted the victim to file criminal charges.
Following investigation and financial evidence gathering, authorities arrested six suspects: Mr. Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, a well-known influencer; Police Colonel Kawinsak Peeryasathanon, deputy commander of the Border Patrol Police Region 4; Ms. Wipada, a lawyer; Sergeant Sitthichai, Mr. Atchariya’s driver; Mr. Jiraroht and his wife, who acted as money collectors, as reported yesterday.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jetanipat added that the suspects clearly divided their tasks into three groups: the first, the influencer, who used credibility to approach victims; the second, responsible for intimidation and pressuring victims to pay; and the third, who collected the money. Evidence clearly linked them as a coordinated group, believed to have committed similar offenses multiple times.
Regarding the group's connections, it was found that the members were fairly acquainted. Three suspects denied the charges and have been sent to the Criminal Court for detention. The other three, while denying charges, provided useful information and are currently being interrogated. After questioning, they will also be sent for detention at the Criminal Court.
Police Major General Jaroonkiat emphasized that this prosecution is based strictly on evidence and clear victim testimony, not harassment or personal vendettas. Authorities are gathering additional evidence to extend the investigation to other involved parties. Anyone victimized can report to the police, who assure confidentiality and full security protection.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong, Deputy Inspector General of Police, addressed transparency issues inside the Immigration detention room, stating that since 10 February 2026, a task force has deployed four inspection teams nationwide. So far, seven officers have been suspended, including three from the Bangkok Metropolitan area, and cases are under consideration by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Additionally, four officers from regions 2, 3, 4, and 7 have been found guilty of disciplinary offenses and are under further criminal investigation. Authorities confirmed that any implicated officers will face strict disciplinary and criminal actions without exception.
Reporters noted that on the same afternoon, the Crime Suppression Division brought in suspects Sitthichai Tangso, Jiraroht Korphatnasap, and Ms. Walalak Korphatnasap—who collaborated with Atchariya and others—to the Criminal Court for detention on charges of jointly coercing others to act, refrain from acting, or submit to demands by instilling fear of harm to their freedom or reputation, and for extortion.