Four arrested over debt-collector murder in southern Thailand

Four arrested over debt-collector murder in southern Thailand

BANGKOK, Feb. 1, 2026 — Thai police have arrested four men in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old debt collector in southern Thailand, authorities said, as violent crime linked to illegal lending continues to draw public concern.

The suspects were detained during coordinated raids at 10 locations across Krabi, Surat Thani and Trang provinces on Sunday, police said. Some of those arrested were reported to be former police officers.

Investigators said the victim, identified only as Surasak, was killed after allegedly withholding loan repayments from a loan-shark operation. His body was found last August in a palm plantation in Phatthalung province with multiple gunshot wounds, police said, adding that a list of debtors was recovered at the scene.

Police believe the victim was abducted and held at a house in Trang province, where suspects attempted to extort money from his family. He was shot dead after trying to escape, investigators said.

Later on Sunday, police confirmed the arrest of an alleged loan shark, a woman, at her home in Surat Thani province. The investigation is continuing, authorities said.

The case highlights growing concern over violent crime tied to illegal lending networks in parts of Thailand.

Crime Asia