BANGKOK, Thailand – Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with relevant officers, conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of Chonlathit (last name withheld), also known as ‘Lieutenant James,’ aged 34, residing in Soi Itsaraphap 28, Wat Arun subdistrict, Bangkok Yai district on October 31. He was wanted under Thonburi Criminal Court warrant No. 825/2567, dated September 16, 2024, on charges of ‘joint extortion, impersonating an official, and threatening another person to perform or refrain from actions through intimidation of harm to life, body, liberty, reputation, or property, or by force.’ Additional charges included carrying a firearm in public without permission.
Evidence seized included:
- One SIG SAUER 9mm firearm, loaded and ready to use
- Twelve 9mm bullets
- A fake police ID card bearing the suspect’s name and image
- Two police uniforms
- One bulletproof vest
Background: The ‘fake detective,’ a 34-year-old former security guard with aspirations of wearing a uniform, went so far as to buy police uniforms, get a short haircut, and dress in tactical gear to resemble a police officer. Claiming to be part of a ‘Special Operations’ unit, he would pose as an investigator to extort money. Recently, a victim reported him to Bang Mod Police Station, providing CCTV footage capturing his extortion activities.
On July 13, at around 4 p.m., while the victim was at home, a man dressed like a detective (later identified as Mr. Chonlathit) entered, claiming to be an officer from the ‘Bangkok Detective Unit’ named ‘Lieutenant James.’ He accused the victim of possessing three bottles of kratom juice, demanding 3,000 baht to avoid arrest. The victim paid the money in cash. The suspect then demanded an additional 500 baht in monthly protection fees before leaving.
Although an arrest warrant was issued, apprehending him proved challenging, as he evaded capture by hiding in the Thonburi area and instructing his associates to monitor police movements. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to arrest him, Police Major General Theeradet Thammasutee, Chief of Investigation, devised a classic trap, sending a fake discount coupon for his favorite ice cream shop. After seven days of surveillance, on the evening of October 30, the suspect arrived at the ice cream shop, and officers immediately moved in to arrest him. During the arrest, they found a loaded firearm in his possession, along with the fake police ID in his bag.
During interrogation, ‘Lieutenant James’ confessed, claiming he was descended from a prominent Ayutthaya-era family, inspiring him to want to be a police officer. However, he had to drop out of school due to an early pregnancy and couldn’t join the police force. He later worked as a volunteer officer, learning police work. In this case, he received a tip about the victim’s kratom shop, leading him to pose as an officer and extort 3,000 baht, though he claimed this was his first time committing such an offense. He has since been handed over to the investigative officer at Bukkhalo Police Station.
Police Major General Theeradet Thammasutee stated that the suspect likely has a history of similar crimes and may have extorted other victims by impersonating a detective. The public is encouraged to report any past encounters with the suspect to the Bangkok Detective Unit’s Facebook page, IDMB. Despite the case not being classified as severe, the police are addressing it promptly in accordance with policy directives from Police Generals Kittirat Panpetch, Thana Chuwong, and Samran Nuanma.”
