PATTAYA, Thailand – A former Mor Lam singer who later worked as an event bodyguard has been arrested in connection with an alleged fake police extortion gang accused of abducting victims, threatening criminal charges and demanding money at a so-called “safe house” in Jomtien. The case began on August 3, when three Thai massage shop employees filed a complaint with Pattaya City Police after allegedly being targeted by three men claiming to be police officers.
According to the victims, the suspects entered their shop while pretending to conduct an official inspection before taking them to a temporary room in the Jomtien Beach area, which the group allegedly referred to as a “safe house.” The victims claimed they were threatened with drug-related charges and told they would have to pay money to avoid prosecution. The suspects also allegedly pressured the victims to help find foreign nationals who could become additional targets.
Later the same night, another victim operating a herbal product shop came forward after seeing news reports about the case and reported a similar experience. The victim claimed the same group had impersonated police officers, detained them and demanded financial benefits. The investigation took a major step forward at around 11 p.m. on August 5, when police from the Chonburi Provincial Investigation Division and Pattaya City Police arrested Mr. Chaloemchot “Chot” Chatmanee, 30, at Nongprue Municipal Stadium in Banglamung district.
Chaloemchot, a former Mor Lam performer who had worked as an event bodyguard, surrendered to police after authorities issued an arrest warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court. He faces charges of jointly committing extortion, jointly detaining or confining others, and jointly forcing victims to comply through threats of harm to their life, body, freedom or property.
During questioning, Chaloemchot denied all allegations. He claimed his role was only to drive and transport people after being hired and that he was unaware of any criminal activity. He also claimed he was deceived himself and said another individual, described as a tall transgender woman, had contacted him to arrange the job. Police said they are continuing to verify his claims and gather additional evidence, including victim statements, CCTV footage and witness accounts.
During his arrest, Chaloemchot also told reporters that he would take legal action against any media outlet that published his photograph, while maintaining his innocence and saying he intended to fight the case through the legal process. Police said investigators are still searching for two other suspects wanted under Pattaya Provincial Court arrest warrants Anan “Ta Win” Panyaporn, 45, and Kiattisak “Ice” Khunha, 40
Authorities believe both suspects remain at large and are working to locate and bring them in for further legal proceedings. Police are continuing the investigation to determine the full structure of the alleged group and whether additional victims may have been targeted.
