Trang: Authorities raided 11 locations in Trang province and arrested four suspects in connection with a kidnapping, ransom, and brutal murder case.
According to Thai News Agency, the Crime Suppression Division launched Operation Zero Shadow: Hunt, Eradicate, and Close the Case of the "Khao Jingjo Kidnapping and Murder for Ransom." The operation targeted 11 locations in Trang city, resulting in the arrest of a former rogue police officer and three accomplices. The group was allegedly hired by an illegal loan shark to kidnap and murder a former debt collector.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), led the operation with other senior officers from the CSD and the Hanuman Special Operations Unit. Authorities searched ten locations across Trang, Krabi, and Surat Thani provinces, eventually arresting the suspects: Suchat, Cherdsak, Kittisak, and Jirapong. Warrants issued by the Criminal Court charged them with "jointly detaining and demanding ransom." Seized during the raids were three bank passbooks, three mobile phones, and clothing linked to the incident.
The operation followed a report on August 6, 2025, when the body of 22-year-old Surasak was discovered with six gunshot wounds in a palm oil plantation along the Khao Jingjo road in Phatthalung Province. A letter to his mother found in his bag expressed his desperate plea for help and included a list of illegal loan sharks. Authorities suspect the murder was motivated by conflicts within the illegal loan business.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Surasak, previously a debt collector for a loan shark group, had embezzled money, leading to a conflict with his employers. This led the loan sharks to hire the group of former police officers and others to abduct him, demanding a ransom from his family. Failing to repay the loan and attempting to escape, Mr. Surasak was ultimately killed, and his body was concealed near the plantation.
Police from Division 6 of the Crime Suppression Division identified the perpetrators as Suchat, Cherdsak, Kittisak, and Jirapong. They gathered evidence, secured arrest warrants, and conducted raids that led to the apprehension of the suspects. Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak emphasized the operation's focus on arresting the perpetrators and uncovering those behind the crime. Efforts are underway to bring influential figures or those orchestrating the crime from the shadows to justice.
One of the arrested suspects is a former police officer. The CSD plans to bring all four suspects to their headquarters for questioning. The investigation has also identified another former police officer's involvement, with the CSD gathering evidence and preparing to issue a summons for him to face charges soon.