Villagers expose the behavior of “Pong,” who often claims to be a police informant, acting as an enforcer for his boss. He carries a gun, wears a badge with an official emblem, and travels around collecting methamphetamine debts. Those unable to pay are forced to become his henchmen.
On 1 August 2026, reporters provided an update on the arrest of Mr. Thana, known as Pong, and Mr. Thongchai, suspects in the joint murder case of two Russian siblings who mysteriously disappeared in Pattaya.
Reporters had the opportunity to speak with a victim who claimed she was sexually assaulted and unlawfully detained by Mr. Thana, or “Pong,” seven years ago. She was also threatened with the murder of her entire family and has lived in fear since. It is also known that Pong was once a subordinate of a non-commissioned police officer in the Huay Yai area, serving as an informant and aide to this officer before Pong’s arrest and imprisonment.
Additionally, reports indicate that after his release, Mr. Thana, or “Pong,” returned to live in Chak Taeng, Moo 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. He resumed collecting debts from people who owed money from past drug dealings. Those unable to pay were forced to become his henchmen. The first person Pong pursued after his release was Mr. Ball, who owed money but requested to pay in installments of 2,000 baht per month. Pong insisted, "You have to work with me." Subsequently, Pong grew close to Mr. Thong, with whom he used drugs, and Mr. Fluk, a friend of Mr. Ball, was brought into Pong’s group.
However, it is not yet confirmed whether Pong continued working for the non-commissioned police officer after his release. What is known is that Pong often carried a gun and wore a police badge around his neck to intimidate villagers. This escalated to a home invasion and family murder because Pong mistakenly believed Ms. Chanthana was still involved in drug trafficking, although her family had turned to honest work selling pork cracklings, and her daughter worked at a convenience store. When they could not find valuables to steal and Ms. Chanthana resisted and argued fiercely, Pong shot her and forced his henchmen to carry out the crime.