A former Khuan Khlong Subdistrict Administrative Organization chief, one of the suspects in extorting benefits through local government employee position sales, was arrested after the court issued three fraud warrants with many victims involved.
At 3:00 p.m. on 22 July 2026, Region 9 Provincial Police, under the command of Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, Commander of Region 9 Police, and Police Major General Wora Vetchaphinan, Deputy Commander of Region 9 Police, along with Satun Provincial Police under the leadership of Police Major General Nipon Hemsalahmad, Commander of Satun Provincial Police, Police Colonel Prasit Damkrabi, Deputy Commander of Satun Provincial Police, Police Colonel Tharsaphon Saraphrut, Deputy Commander of Satun Provincial Police, Police Colonel Somsak Tancharoen, Deputy Commander of Satun Provincial Police, and Police Colonel Jamlong Suwalak, Deputy Commander of Satun Provincial Police, ordered an investigation team to track suspects under arrest warrants within and outside Region 9.
The team was led by Police Colonel Sompong Suwanwong, Deputy Commander of Satun Provincial Police; Police Colonel Seksit Prakotcho; Police Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Haura, Deputy Commander of Investigation Unit, La-ngu Police Station; Police Lieutenant Colonel Worawit Petsrikhaw, Deputy Commander of Investigation Unit, Nongjik Police Station; Police Sergeant Major Ekarin Thanyarit, Squad Leader of Investigation Unit, Satun Provincial Police; Police Sergeant Major Somsak Boriboon, Squad Leader of Investigation Unit, Satun Provincial Police; Police Sergeant Major Amnuay Tengting, Squad Leader of Investigation Unit, Satun Provincial Police; and Police Sergeant Major Narathip Petsri, Squad Leader of Investigation Unit, Satun Provincial Police.
They arrested the suspect, Mr. Natthaphapong Suwanchana, age 61, pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by Satun Provincial Court.
1. Warrant No. J 170/2569 dated 18 June 2026, charging “fraud”,
2. Warrant No. J 171/2569 dated 18 June 2026, charging “fraud”,
3. Warrant No. J 172/2569 dated 18 June 2026, charging “fraud”.
The arrest took place at an unnamed dormitory, 2nd floor, Room 205, Village No. 5, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Police seized 1,230,500 baht in cash and two important documents. The suspect was taken to Pho Klang Police Station for arrest records and then transferred to Khuan Khlong Police Station for prosecution.
Mr. Natthaphapong, also known as "Mayor Pha," former chief of Khuan Khlong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Khuan Khlong District, Satun Province, is accused of being a key figure in a scheme extorting benefits (influence peddling and position sales) during competitive exams for appointment as local government officials or employees. He allegedly claimed to have "special quotas" and could help candidates pass the exam and get appointed to local government jobs. After exam results were announced, many victims reported the case at several police stations, including Khuan Khlong and La-ngu, because those who paid did not receive the promised appointments.
Satun Provincial Court approved three arrest warrants for fraud and corruption-related charges. After being on the run with these warrants, he was finally captured by police.