Police have arrested an armed
money loan shark gang in Sattahip.
Patcharapol Panrak
A gang of accused loan shark enforcers was arrested for allegedly breaking
into a Sattahip home of a late-paying customer.
Wejchayan Lakthong, 35, Torsak Nikornpol, 25, Thanongsak Tiwakalin, 34,
Sutat Oraluek, 29, Arinan Nanchaikrua, 30, Wichai Lakthong, 31 and Santikul
(surname unknown), 34, were captured by Sattahip police and Royal Thai Navy
officers June 3. Authorities seized a 9mm gun, 15 bullets, bolt cutters, two
pickup trucks, a bicycle and a ledger.
The suspects were charged with breaking and entering, illegal money lending,
extortion and firearms possession.
Janpen Rachakaew, caretaker of a house owned by Banjerd Thongkorn, called
police after the gang allegedly pulled up in front of the house, used bolt
cutters to break in and stole valuables from the property. Banjerd was not
at home.
Police said the suspects confessed to working for “Hua,” a wealthy Pattaya
loan shark that had lent 200,000 baht to Banjerd. When she didn’t pay, and
could not be found, the men said they were ordered to break into the house
to recover property to cover the debt.
