Pattaya police arrest man for impersonating officers to extort workers

Police in Pattaya have arrested a 40-year-old Thai man, identified as Kiattisak (also known as “Ice”), for allegedly impersonating a police officer to extort massage workers.

The investigation began after three masseuses reported that a group of men, claiming to be law enforcement, raided their studio on August 3. The victims were taken to a rented room in the Jomtien area under the pretense of undergoing drug tests. Once there, the group allegedly extorted 7,500 baht from the women and pressured them to contact foreigners suspected of possessing drugs to arrange meetings for further extortion.

Authorities confirmed that none of the individuals involved were actual police officers. During questioning, Kiattisak reportedly admitted to gathering personal information on potential victims to pass to other group members who carried out the abductions and extortion. Kiattisak had previously served time for drug-related offenses and was released approximately one year ago. Police are currently searching for another suspect involved in the scheme.