The Pattaya City Police investigative unit arrested “Ice,” who served as an informant for a gang impersonating police officers, involved in kidnapping massage parlor employees, threatening, detaining, and extorting money. The police chief declared that if any real police officers are found behind the scenes, they will be prosecuted decisively without leniency.
At 9:00 p.m. on 8 September 2026, Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Sathanon, Deputy Chief of Investigations, Pol. Lt. Col. Suradet Imjai, Chief Investigator, and the investigative team, jointly tracked and arrested suspects wanted under arrest warrants in a case involving a gang of men impersonating police officers. They raided and detained victims, threatened them, demanded money, and forced them to act as informants to lure foreign buyers.
During this arrest, authorities detained Kiattisak Kuna, 40, from Khon Kaen Province, who is LGBTQ, at a daily rental room near Pattaya Third Road. The investigative team observed the area for over an hour until they saw the suspect preparing to leave his room, then revealed themselves and arrested him before taking him for questioning at the Pattaya City Police investigative office.
In preliminary questioning, Kiattisak admitted involvement with the gang impersonating police officers. He acted as the "informant," gathering information and identifying potential victims for the group. Authorities found that Kiattisak had a prior conviction for drug distribution and was released from prison about a year ago before becoming involved with this gang.
This case stems from an incident on 3 August when three massage parlor employees reported to police that three men, claiming to be police officers, raided the parlor, then detained all employees at a rented room in the Jomtien Beach area, claiming to conduct a drug inspection.
However, the situation did not match their claim. The men used their assumed authority to intimidate and pressure the victims, forcing them to act as informants to lure foreign buyers, and demanded a total of 7,500 baht in exchange for their release.
Previously, authorities arrested Chalermchot “Chot” Jatmanee, 30, a former Mor Lam singer and suspect in this case. Following investigative leads, officials obtained information on other accomplices, leading to the arrest of Kiattisak.
Investigators have charged the suspects with conspiracy to extort property, unlawful detention, and coercion causing others to act or submit through fear of harm to life, body, liberty, or property, before proceeding with legal action.
Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, said this is a serious case because the perpetrators impersonated police officers and abused their assumed authority to intimidate citizens for personal gain, causing public fear and damaging the image of official authorities. He warned the public to verify and report immediately if anyone claims to be police or government officials conducting raids, detentions, or demanding money. He emphasized that anyone committing such offenses will face strict legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Pattaya City Police investigative team continues to track down the remaining suspect under a Pattaya Provincial Court arrest warrant, Anan “Pom” Panyapo, 45, who is still at large. Authorities are following leads and expect to apprehend him soon to proceed with prosecution.
Furthermore, if it is found that any police officers have supported or are involved, and if evidence or witnesses are found, the authorities will extend the investigation and prosecute them decisively through the proper legal process without exceptions.