28-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Four foreigners in Pattaya have been apprehended following a staged abduction of one of their group members in an attempt to extort ransom money from the man’s parents. Police discovered illegal drugs and firearms within their residence during the operation.
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD), in collaboration with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), conducted the arrest of two British nationals, one French national, and one individual from New Zealand in their rented accommodation in Pattaya on Friday. The arrest followed a report received by Pol Col Wiwat Jitsophakul, head of CSD sub-division 2, regarding the purported abduction of one of the British nationals named Ian, whose surname has been withheld.
During the raid, law enforcement officials confiscated illicit substances, including 0.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine, along with a 32mm revolver and six bullets of the same calibre.
The individuals were charged with the unauthorised possession of Category 1 drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as overstaying their visas.
The sequence of events unfolded when Ian’s parents sought police assistance upon receiving communication from their son indicating his purported abduction and the demand for ransom to be sent to Thailand. Pol Col Wiwat refrained from disclosing the exact amount requested.
Interpol coordinated with the Royal Thai Police, prompting the CIB and CSD to launch an investigation, culminating in the search of the rented property. Contrary to the reported abduction, the search yielded firearms and narcotics.
Further inquiries revealed that Ian and his three companions had been residing in Thailand for an extended period and were facing financial difficulties. Consequently, they resorted to orchestrating a fabricated abduction in an ill-fated attempt to extort money from Ian’s parents. The perpetrators have since been remanded to Pattaya City police station to undergo legal proceedings.
