Man arrested for allegedly blackmailing student who later committed suicide

A 26 year old was arrested for allegedly blackmailing high school students which is believed to have led to the student’s suicide. The man allegedly made a fake account online, identifying himself as a teenage girl and luring students into sending sexually explicit videos, then demanding money, threatening to release the videos. Police say they believe the man was targeting students from wealthy families.

The officers from Sarapee Police Station in Chiang Mai received a report on 17 year old high school student who committed suicide by firing himself with his father’s gun. In a letter found at the scene, it said he was stressed over financial problems, saying he was blackmailed and had to steal money from his family to meet the demands.

Officers checked the student’s phone for more information and suspect the scammer is a 26 year old man named Chantaphat living in Bangkok. The authorities from Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children raided a dormitory and arrested him on charges of using child pornography to threaten for money and find benefits.

The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn says he questioned the suspect, adding that he would interrogate further for more details on how many victims he has lured into sharing sexually explicit content and then threatened.

Officers say they suspect the man is part of a gang that has blackmailed numerous students, targeting those from wealthy families.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai).

SOURCE: Sanook | Channel 3 | Channel 8 | Khaosod