PATTAYA — Thai police are conducting a manhunt for two Chinese men who attempted to kidnap a Thai woman at a pool villa in the early hours of Friday, binding her with cable ties before she escaped and alerted authorities. The suspects remain at large after ramming a police motorcycle during their getaway.
Woman Escapes After Being Bound
Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, said officers responded to reports of an armed kidnapping at a two-story villa with a private pool in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district at 3 a.m. on August 22.
The terrified victim told investigators that two Chinese men had threatened her at gunpoint, restrained her hands with cable ties, and locked her in a bedroom while waiting for her Chinese husband to return home.
“She managed to free herself, ran from the house in panic, and sought help from a neighbor who contacted police,” Col. Anek said.
Suspects Ram Police Motorcycle in Escape
When officers arrived at the scene, witnesses described seeing two Chinese suspects – one wearing a baseball cap and face mask – driving a white Toyota sedan with an unidentified license plate. The men spotted police and immediately attempted to flee the residential area. Officers positioned a motorcycle to block the villa’s exit, but the suspects showed no intention of stopping.
“They crashed into the patrol officer’s motorcycle, causing damage, and also struck a resident’s parked car before speeding away,” Col. Anek said. The officer was not seriously injured.
20-Kilometer Chase Ends in Escape
Police launched an immediate pursuit, setting up roadblocks based on the victim’s description of the suspects and their vehicle. The chase continued for more than 20 kilometers through Chonburi province.
“The suspects appeared familiar with local roads and used secluded routes to evade capture. They ultimately escaped via Huay Yai Road,” the superintendent said. Despite deploying multiple units to search the area, police were unable to locate the fugitives.
Conflicting Statements Complicate Investigation
A neighbor, whose identity was protected, confirmed the victim’s account: “The woman ran out asking for help, saying two Chinese men had tied her hands and intended to hold her for ransom. When police surrounded the area, the suspects rammed the officer’s motorcycle and fled in different directions.”
Police have taken both the Chinese husband and Thai wife in for detailed questioning, though Col. Anek noted their statements contained “conflicting and confusing” details. The exact motive remains unclear.
Debt or Business Dispute Suspected
Investigators are exploring several theories about the kidnappers’ motives, including debt problems, personal conflicts, or business disputes. The victim reported that the suspects told her not to be afraid and that “everything would be over” once her husband returned home.
“They assured her no one would get hurt, which suggests this wasn’t a random robbery,” Col. Anek explained. However, police have not ruled out theft as a possible motive.
The detective team is currently analyzing security camera footage from the area to track the suspects’ movements and identify their escape route.
“We are requesting time to thoroughly investigate this case,” Col. Anek said. “We will provide updates to the public as soon as new information becomes available.”
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