BANGKOK – One police officer has been dismissed and four others are facing criminal and disciplinary action over allegations they took bribes to release Chinese detainees from immigration custody, the Royal Thai Police announced on Friday.

Police chief Torsak and his deputy Surachate Hakparn transferred to inactive posts

The five investigators, attached to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, are accused of orchestrating the temporary transfer of 131 Chinese detainees from immigration detention between 2021 and 2025, but failing to return them for deportation as required. Instead, the detainees were allowed to disappear.

Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, deputy inspector-general and police spokesperson, said that one officer, Pol Capt Chaiya (surname withheld), was dismissed on Friday. The four others—holding ranks from police captain to police lieutenant colonel—are now subject to criminal prosecution and serious disciplinary proceedings.

According to the investigation, the officers filed fraud complaints against detainees already held by immigration authorities, obtained arrest warrants, and took custody of the individuals under the pretext of legal proceedings. Immigration police complied with the court-ordered transfers but required in writing that the detainees be returned once their cases concluded. That requirement was ignored.

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) held a high-level press conference on Friday (January 16) to address a major corruption investigation involving the illegal release of Chinese detainees.

Led by Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General, alongside senior officials from… pic.twitter.com/yoUwHx0LZi

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) January 16, 2026

One of the five officers was involved in the transfer of more than 30 detainees. Investigators are now examining financial records and possible criminal networks linked to the scheme, including complainants, legal representatives, and intermediaries.

The case came to light after the Chinese Embassy alerted Thai authorities in January 2025 about the unexplained disappearance of a detainee identified as Ma Guangxue, who was scheduled for deportation.

5 senior policemen in Samut Sakhon moved to inactive posts

National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch has ordered a nationwide review of detainee releases over the past 10 years to determine whether similar abuses occurred elsewhere. Pol Lt Gen Trairong stated that if the allegations are proven, the officers’ actions would amount to fabricating criminal cases to prevent suspects from being deported to their home countries.

-Thailand News (TN)