Five Thai Police Officers Face Charges Over 6 Million Baht Extortion of British Fugitive

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has concluded that there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal and disciplinary proceedings against six suspects, including five police officers, over the alleged extortion of 6 million baht from British fugitive Ritesh Patel.

Patel, who was wanted in the United Kingdom on alleged drug trafficking charges, fled first to Dubai before arriving in Thailand in June 2022. Immigration authorities later arrested him in Phuket after determining that he had entered the country using a fraudulent passport.

Investigators said Patel subsequently asked his Thai acquaintance, Tirawan Khiao-ngarm, to present his passport to officials. Authorities later discovered that both the passport and the associated visa had already been revoked.

After his arrest, Patel was transferred to an immigration detention facility in Bangkok, where he awaited legal proceedings and extradition to the UK under the bilateral extradition agreement.

According to the NACC, Patel later attempted to secure his release through intermediaries. Tirawan was introduced to Wittaya Somsrisamakul, who allegedly claimed he could arrange Patel's release through his connections with a senior police officer identified as Ramate Kaewsungnoen.

Investigators allege that Wittaya convinced Patel to transfer 6 million baht, claiming the money would secure his release. However, despite the payment, Patel remained in custody.

Tirawan later filed a complaint with the Royal Thai Police, alleging that the money had been obtained through extortion.

The investigation uncovered financial links between Wittaya, Ramate, and Ramate's wife, Buraya, while investigators also identified four additional police officers allegedly connected to the scheme.

On July 7, the NACC announced that it had unanimously determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with legal action against all six suspects, including Wittaya, Ramate, and the four police officers.

The commission said its investigation report, supporting documents, electronic evidence, and official findings will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for consideration of criminal prosecution. The case will also be referred to the relevant police authorities to determine appropriate disciplinary measures against the officers involved.