PUBLISHED : 21 Oct 2024 at 13:59
In a shocking incident, an armed gang has reportedly abducted two Chinese businessmen from their office in Bangkok, demanding a ransom of approximately 12 million baht. The abduction took place on Saturday, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
Pol Col Pornthep Chalermkiat, head of the Sutthisarn station, confirmed on Monday that the victims, who are accommodation agents catering to Chinese visitors, reported their kidnapping after escaping on Sunday night.
The men detailed that they were taken from their rented residence, which also served as their office, located on Ratchadaphisek 24 Road in the Huai Khwang district on October 19.
According to their account, a known associate requested they have 3 million baht available, citing plans to cash digital currency with them. However, later that day, five armed men stormed their office, seized the cash, and abducted them.
The victims were reportedly separated and transported to Nakhon Nayok province under duress, where they were coerced into transferring US$270,000 (about 8.9 million baht) into the gang’s account.
Following their release, the two men shared that they were transported back to Bangkok in a single vehicle and abandoned in the Bang Khen district.
Pol Col Pornthep noted that the gang utilized vehicles with false licence plates and evaded capture by fleeing in separate directions. One of the victims suspects involvement from his ex-wife, raising concerns about the potential cooperation between the gang and his former partner, believed to be hiding within Thailand.
Police concluded their questioning of the victims early Monday morning and have since placed them under protective custody for their safety. The identities of the victims remain undisclosed.
