Police Lieutenant Colonel Prayoon surrendered after being implicated in a gang of officers who abducted and extorted five Chinese nationals, facing serious charges. The police spokesperson revealed that an investigation is ongoing to determine whether the case constitutes enforced disappearance and affirmed that no protection will be given to wrongdoers, proceeding decisively based on evidence amid rumors that "influential juniors" or local power figures may be aiding the suspects.
On 21 May 2026 at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the National Police Office, provided an update on the arrest of four police officers and one civilian. The arrests followed coordinated efforts by the immigration police and other units to rescue five Chinese nationals who had been held in a residence in Wang Mai Subdistrict, Wang Sombun District, Sa Kaeo Province, on 17 May. He reported that the Provincial Police Region 2 recently informed the National Police Office that an additional commissioned officer had been charged in connection with the case early this morning.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated this case is serious because it involves police officers from multiple units. Therefore, it has been reported to the National Police Office. The Commissioner-General has issued a clear policy: officers who perform their duties well will be commended, but any wrongdoing will not be tolerated. Regardless of rank, if evidence indicates criminal, disciplinary, or regulatory violations, the police will take strict action.
The National Police Office spokesperson confirmed that the first four arrested officers have been suspended to ensure a transparent investigation and prevent interference with evidence. Meanwhile, Provincial Police Region 2 is continuing to investigate and expand the inquiry. Should evidence link any individuals—whether police, civilians, or influential figures—they will be prosecuted without exception.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thitawat Suriya Chai, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, said that the commissioned officer recently charged is named Prayoon. Preliminary investigations show he was involved in entering the location where the five Chinese nationals were confined. However, details regarding his specific role—whether commanding, participating, or serving another function in the operation—are under further investigation. He has already been charged as an accomplice.
When asked whether the case might qualify as enforced disappearance under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong said that this depends on the facts and the intent of those involved—whether their actions were lawful detentions or acts aimed at extortion. If the circumstances meet the legal criteria, further charges will be filed and relevant agencies coordinated immediately.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong also described the suspects’ operations as networked, potentially linked to groups across the border. They communicated systematically, sending signals and coordinating information. Authorities are currently examining financial transactions, phone records, communications, and the benefits each individual received to trace the entire network.
Additionally, investigators are checking whether the suspects have committed similar offenses previously, along with reviewing vehicles and locations possibly used in the crimes. It is believed this is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing operation.
/ "Influential juniors" or local power figures aiding the suspects, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong firmly stated that there is no protection for wrongdoers. The case arose from local operational police units, not a central task force. The main officers involved in rescuing victims and apprehending suspects are the investigative chief of Wang Sombun Police Station and the immigration inspector of Sa Kaeo Province. Upon receiving information, they promptly conducted investigations, despite some suspects being fellow police officers.
The National Police Office spokesperson added that this case reflects their readiness to act against corrupt officers without discrimination. Should investigations reveal that money or benefits were given to anyone else or additional parties are involved, they will all face prosecution based on evidence, with no exemptions.
Meanwhile, in Sa Kaeo Province, reporters noted that at 19:00 on 20 May 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Tee, or Police Lieutenant Colonel Prayoon, assigned to Khlong Hat Police Station in Sa Kaeo Province, who has been implicated in the gang, voluntarily surrendered to investigators at Wang Sombun Police Station to acknowledge charges. Pol. Col. Wisakha Petchkasem, Chief of Wang Sombun Police Station, along with the Deputy Chief of Investigation, received and questioned him.
Preliminary charges against him include conspiracy to unlawfully detain others, abuse of official power, coercion to surrender property, and misconduct or corruption in official duties. After the charges were filed, Police Lieutenant Colonel Prayoon was released on bail and is prepared to provide further statements if summoned.
The decision on his custody lies with the Commander of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, as the case involves multiple police officers and could affect the Royal Thai Police's image and public trust in the border area.