Sa Kaeo—A major scandal has shaken the police force with the arrest of four officers and accomplices who kidnapped five Chinese nationals and extorted ransom for their release. The Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Chief ordered a wider investigation, stating that if the suspects are found guilty, they will face criminal and disciplinary proceedings without exception, emphasizing that corrupt individuals must be removed to prevent setting a precedent.
On 17 May 2026, reporters learned of a police scandal in Sa Kaeo province after multiple agencies jointly raided a residence in Wang Sombun district to rescue five Chinese nationals held captive. Four police officers and one civilian were arrested for demanding money in exchange for freedom. Initial findings show over 120,000 baht had been transferred. The Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Chief confirmed strict criminal and disciplinary actions would be taken if guilt is proven.
The incident occurred on 16 May 2026 at about 19:30 at Wang Sombun Police Station in Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo province. Immigration Police of Sa Kaeo, Wang Sombun Police Station, Task Force 3 of the Burapha Military Region, and Border Patrol Police Unit 11 conducted a joint operation to arrest five suspects: four police officers and one civilian after searching an unnumbered house in Village 1, Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo.
The arrest was directed 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 Sukhwasit, Deputy Chief of Investigation; and Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsamon Klientham, Deputy Chief of Sa Kaeo Immigration Police.
The five suspects are Police Corporals Paphawin, Wuttikorn, Somchai, Pichet, and civilian Nattanon To-on. Authorities confiscated several pistols, two pickup trucks, and some ammunition.
Charges against suspects 1 through 4 include "joint unlawful detention, abuse of official power, extortion, and misconduct in office."
Suspect number 5 faces charges of aiding and abetting an official in committing an offense.
Investigations revealed that around 11:00, officers received a tip via the LINE app from Acting Pol. Lt. Col. Rawisak Suryaphak, an officer assisting at Pathum Thani Immigration Police, that five Chinese nationals requested help after being detained and extorted for their release. Upon inspection of the house, officers found foreigners resembling Chinese nationals outside the residence, who expressed relief and gratitude immediately.
Through an interpreter, the five Chinese nationals reported being held since about 02:00 that day, handcuffed, threatened, and demanded to pay $10,000 USD (approximately 300,000 baht) each for their freedom.
Initial findings show two Chinese victims transferred $2,000 USD each to the suspects, totaling $4,000 USD (approximately 120,000 baht), with money transfer slips as evidence. Further investigation found the four police suspects had arrested the Chinese nationals under immigration law but failed to hand them over to investigators as required. Instead, they held them in the house and demanded ransom for their release.
The victims also implicated another officer involved in the operation, but he was not arrested as officers found him out buying food and drinks during the raid. The investigation is ongoing.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaworn Dulwit, Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Chief, stated that he has ordered strict disciplinary action against the accused officers and assured a comprehensive investigation involving witnesses, victims, and forensic evidence.
"If found guilty, they will face criminal and disciplinary penalties without exception, as this seriously damages the police’s reputation," Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaworn said.
All suspects have denied the charges. Authorities have detained them and forwarded the case to prosecutors for legal proceedings.
The arrests come amid heavy criticism in Sa Kaeo border areas, where previous reports have highlighted ongoing extortion schemes targeting foreigners.
During an interview, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaworn Dulwit, Provincial Police Chief of Sa Kaeo, commented, "Corrupt individuals must be removed to protect the reputation of the Royal Thai Police."