Police Major Surrenders After Being Exposed in Gang of 5 Officers Extorting Chinese Nationals; Facing Dismissal
A police major surrendered after being exposed as part of a five-officer gang that extorted over 1.2 million baht from Chinese nationals held captive in Saraburi Province, with all suspects facing dismissal and serious criminal charges.
Police Major Prayoon surrendered after being exposed as part of a five-officer criminal gang involved in extorting Chinese nationals. He faces serious charges of corrupt conduct and unlawful detention, with dismissal from service expected.
The case began when Saraburi Province immigration police coordinated with Wang Somboon Police Station to raid a residence in Wang Mai Subdistrict, Wang Somboon District. Officers discovered five Chinese nationals being held captive and extorted for 300,000 baht each—totaling over 1.2 million baht—in exchange for their release.
Investigation revealed that two victims transferred cryptocurrency totaling 4,000 US dollars (approximately 120,000 baht) out of fear of physical harm. Officers recovered clear evidence of the money transfers on mobile devices.
The raid resulted in the arrest of five suspects: Sergeant Pawawin, 43; Sergeant Wutthikorn, 39; Sergeant Somchai, 45; Sergeant Pichest, 41; and civilian Natthanan, 43. Officers also seized four semi-automatic firearms, 24 rounds of ammunition, and two Toyota pickup trucks.
Some suspects revealed that a sixth police officer—a Senior Sergeant—was involved but escaped when officers arrived, claiming to buy food.
Police Major Prayoon subsequently reported to Wang Somboon Police Station investigators to surrender and face charges. Station Commander Visakh Petchkasem and Deputy Commander Atthathanaphak Thongpholanpanchai accepted his surrender personally.
Investigators initially charged the suspects with unlawful detention, abuse of authority, extortion, and corrupt conduct. The case will be forwarded to Saraburi Provincial Police for disciplinary proceedings. All suspects remain in custody pending court appearance, and the four police officers are being recommended for dismissal to ensure investigation transparency.
Saraburi Provincial Police Deputy Commander Preeya Somsathan, overseeing the investigation unit, along with Deputy Commander Jaturaphut Singhatsit and Investigation Chief Damrong Iemphairojn, visited Wang Somboon Police Station to monitor case developments and accelerate further investigation.
