15-5-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai police have successfully rescued three abducted Indonesian men who were being held for ransom in Muang district, arresting an armed suspect in the process.
Phatthalung police commander, Pol Maj Gen Nathakorn Kanchanaporn, confirmed that the three men were found captive in a house located at 123, village 7, tambon Tha Khae, Muang district. The victims have been identified as Syawana, 29, Ariyadi, 29, and Syabini, 39.
The Indonesian embassy notified the police that Syawana had been kidnapped in Hat Yai district, Songkhla. Disturbingly, he was tortured, and a video of the abuse was sent to his younger sister in Indonesia. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 2.3 million baht for his release. The sister managed to send approximately 800,000 baht and filed a complaint with authorities.
Acting on information provided by the Indonesian consulate in Songkhla, police raided the house in tambon Tha Khae, Phatthalung, on Tuesday. During the operation, officers discovered the two other Indonesians who were also being held captive. All three men were immediately taken to a hospital for medical examinations.
During the raid, police arrested Weerasak Thong-ubon, 36, a resident of the same village, who was found in possession of a pistol. Additionally, two other armed men from Waeng district, Narathiwat, were present at the scene. Pol Maj Gen Nathakorn stated that investigations are ongoing to determine their involvement in the abductions.
The swift and coordinated effort by Thai authorities, in cooperation with the Indonesian embassy, highlights the ongoing international collaboration to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
