Songkhla couple extorted of 8.2m baht for son’s jail release
A couple has engaged a lawyer to report a gang for allegedly extorting 8.2 million baht by claiming connections with ministers, MPs, and senators to secure their son’s release from prison.
The accused also falsely claimed a position as an advisor to a parliamentary committee. Yesterday, April 7, lawyer Chatchawan Bamrungwong accompanied 64 year old Sunaiya, a Songkhla resident, to file a complaint with Police Lieutenant Colonel Jirasak Wongsuriya, Deputy Investigation Chief at Hat Yai Police Station, Songkhla province.
They sought the arrest of Rachatthorn, Sompong, and Natthaphon, who allegedly posed as close associates of Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, and Chusak Keerimatthong, Sukhothai MP from the Pheu Thai Party, claiming they could influence Somsak to reduce the sentence and release Sunaiya’s son, who is imprisoned in Songkhla for attempted murder. The gang demanded 8.2 million baht for their services.
Sunaiya, the victim, reported that Rachatthorn claimed to hold a position as an advisor to the Labour Committee of the House of Representatives and to know MPs and the director general of the Department of Corrections, promising to secure her son’s release. Trusting this, she transferred an initial sum of 2.9 million baht without suspecting deceit.
Sunaiya explained that the three men maintained contact from January 13 last year, creating a facade of credibility by making video calls via LINE to various persons and orchestrating meetings with Chusak Keerimatthong at Parliament. They also arranged for Sunaiya and her husband to welcome Somsak Thepsuthin at Hat Yai Airport.
Sunaiya further disclosed that the gang produced fake confidential letters from ministers to Songkhla Prison Director Somporn Channarong and showed photographs with ministers and high-profile figures to enhance their credibility. However, on March 4 this year, when Sunaiya went to Songkhla Provincial Court, her son informed her that no actions had been taken to secure his release, revealing the deception. Consequently, she met with lawyer Chatchawan, providing him with all the details and documents for verification.
Chatchawan explained the legal process and confirmed that pardoning was not possible, as Somsak was not the Minister of Justice and had no authority over the Department of Corrections. This revelation led Sunaiya and her husband to understand they had been defrauded, prompting them to authorise Chatchawan to pursue legal action, reported KhaoSod.
Reports indicate that Sompong, one of the accused, is part of the entourage of a senator from Samut Sakhon, last seen on April 2 in Khlong Hoi Khong district, Songkhla, in connection with the seizure of 20,000 litres of illegal diesel.
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