Pattaya, Thailand – In the early hours of February 7th, 2026, Thai police stormed a high-end condominium in the Phratamnak area of Pattaya, successfully rescuing two Indian tourists who had been abducted and held for ransom by a gang of their fellow countrymen.
The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiattisak Sarathongoi, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Provincial Police Region 2, following a coordination request received at 1:19 a.m. The victims, two Indian nationals, had been lured, abducted, and confined in a luxury condo unit on the 16th floor. The kidnappers contacted the mother of one of the victims in India, demanding a ransom of more than 6 million Indian rupees (approximately 2 million baht) in exchange for their release.
Investigators from Provincial Police Region 2 coordinated with the Immigration Police in Chonburi to verify the location. Security personnel were instructed to knock on the door, and upon it being opened, officers immediately rushed in. Inside, they found the victims with their hands bound and showing clear signs of physical assault, including beating, kicking, and stomping.
Four Indian nationals were arrested at the scene:
– Ankit, 24 years old
– Sahil, 31 years old
– Shivam, 29 years old
– Joban Singh, 27 years old
One suspect, Joban Singh, was apprehended in the elevator as he attempted to flee. However, the alleged ringleader managed to escape prior to the raid, and police are actively pursuing him.
According to the victims’ accounts, they were ambushed outside their hotel, forced into a vehicle, and taken to the condominium where they were imprisoned. The gang subjected them to severe physical abuse while using their phones to contact family members in India, threatening harm, including murder and dismemberment, if the ransom was not paid. Fearing for their lives, the mother contacted the president of the Indian Association in Chonburi, who promptly provided the location details to authorities, enabling the timely rescue.
The suspects have been charged with conspiracy to demand ransom, unlawful detention, and causing bodily harm. They have been transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities stated that Pattaya, a major tourist destination, must remain safe for visitors. Police are continuing their investigation to expand the case and apprehend the escaped gang leader.
Photos: Stock photos of Thai police in Pattaya.
