Sa Kaeo–A scandal has rocked the police force with the arrest of four police officers and associates accused of kidnapping five Chinese nationals and extorting ransom for their freedom. The Sa Kaeo police chief ordered an expanded investigation, stating that if proven guilty, the officers will face criminal charges and disciplinary action without exception. He emphasized that those who violate trust must be removed to set a clear example.
On 17 May 2026, reporters learned of a police scandal in Sa Kaeo province after multiple agencies collaborated to rescue five Chinese nationals held captive in a house in Wang Sombun district. Four police officers and one civilian were arrested for demanding ransom in exchange for release. Initial findings indicate over 120,000 baht was transferred. The Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Commander confirmed a strict disciplinary and criminal investigation will proceed if guilt is established.
The incident occurred on 16 May 2026 at around 19:30 at Wang Sombun Police Station, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo. Immigration police from Sa Kaeo, Wang Sombun Police Station officers, the 3rd Special Operations Company of Burapha Task Force, and the 11th Border Patrol Police unit jointly arrested five suspects—four police officers and one civilian—after raiding an unnumbered house in Village 1, Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo.
The operation was led by Pol. Col. Rung Thongmon, Chief of Sa Kaeo Immigration Police; Pol. Col. Wisacha Phetkasem, Chief of Wang Sombun Police Station; Pol. Lt. Col. Kornpong Sukwasit, Deputy Chief of Investigation; and Pol. Lt. Col. Krisam Klinthorn, Deputy Chief of Sa Kaeo Immigration Police.
The five suspects are Corporal Paphawin, Corporal Wutthikorn, Corporal Somchai, Corporal Pichet, and civilian Nattanan To-on. Authorities seized multiple pistols, two pickup trucks, and several rounds of ammunition.
Charges against suspects 1 through 4 include "jointly detaining others unlawfully, abusing official power, extortion under duress, and misconduct in office."
Suspect number 5 faces charges of supporting officials in committing offenses.
Investigations revealed that at around 11:00 a.m., officials received a report via the LINE app from Acting Pol. Lt. Col. Rawisak Suriyaphak, an officer assigned to the Pathum Thani Immigration Police, that five Chinese nationals sought help after being detained and extorted for their release. Officials promptly investigated the residence and found the foreigners outside the house, visibly relieved and expressing thanks upon seeing authorities.
Through an interpreter, the five Chinese nationals stated they had been held since about 2:00 a.m. that day, handcuffed, threatened, and demanded to pay $10,000 USD each—approximately 300,000 baht—for their freedom.
Preliminary findings show two Chinese victims transferred $2,000 USD each to the suspects, totaling $4,000 USD or about 120,000 baht, with money transfer slips as proof. Further checks found that the four police officers had arrested the Chinese nationals under immigration law but failed to hand them over to investigators. Instead, they detained them at a private residence and demanded ransom for their release.
The victims also implicated another officer in the operation, who was not detained because he was out buying food and drinks during the arrests. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional involvement.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawon Dulwit, Provincial Police Commander of Sa Kaeo, stated that strict disciplinary action has been ordered against the accused officers. He assured a comprehensive investigation involving witnesses, victims, and scientific evidence.
“If guilt is confirmed, criminal and disciplinary measures will be taken without exception, as this severely damages the police force’s reputation,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawon said.
All suspects denied the charges. Authorities have detained them and forwarded the case to prosecutors for legal proceedings.
This case has sparked intense criticism in the Sa Kaeo border area, following multiple previous reports of officials extorting foreign nationals.
During an interview, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawon Dulwit said, “Those who are not good must be removed to preserve the reputation of the Royal Thai Police.”