Udon thani: “Suea,” a member of a notorious loan shark gang, has been apprehended for violently assaulting a disabled woman. The arrest was made following an incident where the suspect used his fist to strike the head of Ms. Ratree, a 57-year-old disabled woman, in the Ban Suan Mon area, Village No. 6, Soe Ploe Subdistrict, Kumphawapi District. Meanwhile, another gang member, “Palm,” who allegedly used a firearm to shoot at villagers in the same area, remains at large, with police actively searching for him.

According to Thai News Agency, the incidents occurred yesterday, sparking an immediate investigation by the Udon Thani Provincial Police and Kumphawapi Police Station. The investigation led to the arrest of 28-year-old Atsadawut, also known as “Suea,” at a resort in Mak Khaeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. During questioning, Atsadawut admitted to the assault, explaining that it stemmed from a heated argument while collecting a debt, though he claimed not to have made any threats. He acknowledged the victim’s disability and stated that the funds he lent were personal, unconnected to other lenders.

Pol. Col. Anusak Sakdawacharanon, Deputy Commander of the Udon Thani Provincial Police, issued a public warning regarding the dangers of borrowing from informal lenders, noting that such loans often come with illegally high interest rates. He urged lenders to comply with legal interest rate limits and to conduct debt collection without resorting to threats or violence, as these actions constitute criminal offenses.

Mr. Suea faces charges of “assault resulting in injury” and “loan lending with interest exceeding the legal limit.” He was taken to the Kumphawapi Police Station for further legal proceedings and is expected to formally apologize to Ms. Ratree. As for Mr. Palm, the authorities remain confident that they will apprehend him soon.