PATTAYA — Authorities have apprehended four suspects—two Chinese nationals and two Thais—in connection with the shocking abduction and robbery of a Chinese tourist by imposters posing as police officers. The arrests follow a dramatic early-morning kidnapping captured on surveillance footage earlier this week.

Chinese Tourist Kidnapped in Brazen Pattaya Daylight Robbery

The incident unfolded around 5:30 AM on July 10 outside a North Pattaya Road noodle shop, where 52-year-old Lin Yifan was forcibly taken in a white SUV by men shouting police commands. Investigators revealed the victim was restrained at gunpoint, robbed of 230,000 baht in cash and valuables, then abandoned near a Soi Chaiyapruek 2 shooting range after the assailants drained 150,000 baht from his Chinese bank account via mobile transfer.

Police identified the arrested suspects as Chinese citizens Han Longding, 37, and Han Zhangchou, 63, alongside Thai nationals Siripong Chiebleam, 35, and Thitiphong Phongpiriyakul, 28. During interrogation, the group claimed they were hired by a shadowy figure known only as “Yong.”

Four suspects, 2 Chinese and 2 Thai, were arrested for #kidnapping and #robbery of a 52-year-old Chinese tourist in #Pattaya. The stolen property was worth 230,000 baht (US$7089). The gang admitted that they were hired by a Chinese mastermind. #Thailandtravel https://t.co/UCLGsiIjha pic.twitter.com/ApFvz5MxWe

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) July 13, 2025

“These criminals exploited the appearance of authority to commit violent theft, but we’ve confirmed no actual police involvement,” stated Pol. Maj. Gen. Kunlachart Kunlachai of Pattaya Police. Investigators traced the getaway vehicle to a Min Buri residence, though some evidence—including the suspects’ phones—was reportedly dumped in water.

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The arrests come amid heightened tourist safety concerns in Pattaya, where authorities have pledged increased patrols following a spate of similar crimes targeting foreign visitors. All four suspects now face serious robbery charges, with prosecutors considering additional counts given the violent nature of the offense.

-Thailand News (TN)