The police have suspended four officers involved in the kidnapping and detention for ransom of Chinese nationals in Sakaeo province after they confessed to all charges. An additional fact-finding committee has been established, with a clear warning that anyone found involved will be prosecuted without exception.
In the case where immigration officers, along with several agencies, rescued five Chinese nationals held captive in a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sakaeo province, they also arrested police officers and civilians involved. The suspects were found to have used restraints, detained the victims, and threatened them to extort ransom money for their freedom.
On 21 May 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Naphawat Arayangkoon, acting National Police Chief, signed Royal Thai Police order number 221/2569 dated 21 May 2026, suspending four police officers: 1. Police Corporal Wutthikorn Wongtham, Prevention and Suppression Officer, Khlong Hat Police Station, Sakaeo; 2. Police Corporal Somchai Yukong, Prevention and Suppression Officer, Khlong Hat Police Station; 3. Police Corporal Pichet Sengsoon, Prevention and Suppression Officer, Ban Plaeng Police Station, Chanthaburi; and 4. Police Corporal Paphawin Prayadngern, Squad Leader, Highway Police Station 3, Division 3, Highway Police Bureau.
The order states that the four officers are accused of serious disciplinary violations and are suspects in the criminal case of jointly detaining others, abuse of power, coercion for bribes, and corruption, under the criminal case handled by Wang Sombun Police Station, Sakaeo. All suspects have confessed to the charges and have been detained since 16 May.
This case is significant and has attracted public attention, seriously damaging trust and the organization's reputation. Allowing the suspects to remain on duty could cause further harm. Therefore, Police Corporals Wutthikorn Wongtham, Somchai Yukong, and Pichet Sengsoon have been suspended pending disciplinary investigation. Meanwhile, Police Corporal Paphawin Prayadngern, also involved, was suspended earlier on 18 May 2026 by the Highway Police Bureau order 80/2569, awaiting disciplinary review.
Simultaneously, the Royal Thai Police issued order 220/2569 appointing an additional fact-finding committee chaired by Pol. Col. Eksit Toaditep, Superintendent of Investigation and Inspection Division 1, Inspector General's Office 2, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, along with five other members, to expedite comprehensive examination of all aspects.
The National Police Chief has emphasized conducting the investigation transparently and swiftly. If any additional police officers or persons are found involved, commanders must be promptly informed to expand prosecution efforts with no exceptions.