Former Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Attempted Murder in Phuket

Phuket –

Police have arrested a former police officer in Bangkok with an alleged notorious criminal past, wanted for attempted murder in Phuket.

The Arrest

On orders from Pol. Maj. Gen. Patthanasak Bubpasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, a team led by Pol. Col. Jetnipat Siriwat and Pol. Lt. Ekkrat Chanmanee apprehended 54‑year‑old Mr. Satit (surname withheld) in the parking lot of a residence in Lat Phrao, Bangkok. The arrest was carried out under a warrant issued by Phuket Provincial Court on April 9, 2026, for premeditated attempted murder.

The case stems from a violent assault on November 16th, 2025, when a 45‑year‑old woman was ambushed and brutally beaten by a group of men in the parking area of her residence in Phuket Town. She sustained severe facial injuries and required lengthy hospital treatment. Investigators later identified Satit among the suspects and tracked him to Bangkok, where he had been hiding.

A Troubled Past

Satit once served as a police sergeant but was dismissed from the force after repeated involvement in serious crimes. His record includes:

• 2007 Kidnapping Case: He and accomplices abducted a wealthy American oil and gas businessman, demanding a ransom of 28 million baht. The victim was chained, handcuffed, and hooded before police rescued him from a townhouse. Satit was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
• 2016 Extortion Case: He posed as an anti‑narcotics officer to raid the home of a businessman in Pathum Thani, seizing valuables worth over 1 million baht. The victim was abducted and forced to transfer another 1 million baht. Satit was arrested with gold items in his possession and sentenced to 2 years and 8 months.

After serving his sentences, Satit moved to Phuket, working in debt collection and as a nightclub security guard. He admitted that before the latest attack, a friend accused the victim of being involved with his girlfriend. Satit allegedly told the friend to “handle it,” leading to the assault. He denied personally participating but fled when charges were filed, until his capture in Bangkok.

Authorities have transferred Satit to Phuket Provincial Police for prosecution. His case shows the dangers posed by former law enforcement officers who exploit their training and connections for criminal gain, raising concerns about repeat offenders and public safety.