Retired Huai Yai detective denies being gang leader Pong’s police superior as detectives prepare to have the suspect’s LGBTQ girlfriend identify the officer known as ‘Finger’ in the widening five-body Pattaya murder investigation that has shone a light on Pattaya’s underworld.
A retired Huai Yai detective in Pattaya has flatly denied claims he was the police superior of accused killer gang leader Thana Kerdthong, or “Pong”, as investigators ordered by National Police Commissioner General Kittirat Phanphet prepare to ask Pong’s LGBTQ girlfriend to identify the officer she says handled him, supplied him with methamphetamine and was known by the nickname “Finger”.
A retired police officer has broken his silence after being accused online of acting as the superior of alleged gang leader Thana Kerdthong, or “Pong”.
He has categorically denied every allegation. His response comes as Thailand’s biggest murder investigation continues to widen following the discovery of five bodies buried outside Pattaya.
Police uncovered the graves on Friday night into Saturday morning. The victims included Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimov, 17. A Thai family of three was buried nearby.
Their deaths exposed what investigators believe was a violent criminal network operating across Chonburi. Since then, detectives have expanded the inquiry beyond the murders themselves.
Retired Huai Yai detective rejects claims he supervised Pong or aided his alleged criminal activities
At the centre of the latest claims is Pong’s alleged relationship with police. Investigators are examining allegations that he operated as a police informant. They are also probing claims that he received methamphetamine from an officer attached to Huai Yai Police Station. Those allegations have now placed former officers under intense scrutiny.
In response, the retired detective agreed to speak publicly. Reporters visited his home in Bang Lamung District at 7 pm on August 4. Known locally as “Sergeant Kaesorn” or “Sergeant Soran”, the 72-year-old confirmed he was the officer identified in social media posts. However, he insisted every allegation circulating online was false.
The former officer explained that he served as an investigator at Huai Yai Police Station before retiring in 2010. Before that posting, he worked at Bang Lamung Police Station. He retired with the rank of Police Lieutenant. Throughout his career, he repeatedly encountered Pong. However, he said those encounters happened only because he kept arresting him.
According to the retired detective, he arrested Pong three or four times while serving at Huai Yai Police Station. Separately, he arrested him several more times while posted to Bang Lamung. Those cases involved theft, drug offences, rape and assault.
Former investigator says repeated arrests of Pong were his only dealings with the future gang leader
He described Pong as a prolific offender who repeatedly returned to prison. Even so, he rejected suggestions that the relationship extended beyond law enforcement.
“I confirm that in the past, I never gave orders to or used Mr. Pong as a subordinate, as alleged,” he said. “I have no involvement according to the information circulating online, I never protected or supported Mr. Pong in any way. Let me reiterate that I hate him.”
Notably, the retired officer also rejected claims that he used Pong as a police informant. Likewise, he denied ordering him to traffic drugs. He also dismissed reports that Pong regularly visited him at Huai Yai Police Station. Instead, he said they met only when Pong had been arrested. Beyond that, he insisted there was no contact whatsoever.
The retired investigator also described how Pong behaved after being detained. According to him, Pong caused trouble from his teenage years. However, he said the suspect was much less violent in those days. “He has changed a lot now and is much more ruthless than before,” he said.
Retired officer recalls warning Pong before the suspect became far more ruthless and violent
Despite Pong’s criminal record, the officer said he never tried to bargain after arrest. Instead, he willingly accepted imprisonment. The retired detective claimed Pong was frightened of him. Consequently, there was never any negotiation.
The officer said he repeatedly urged Pong to abandon crime. He recalled asking why he treated prison as his home. Nevertheless, those conversations achieved nothing.
On another front, the retired officer dismissed claims that Pong ever visited him privately. He insisted every meeting occurred during official police duties. Moreover, he said village headmen and community leaders could confirm that account. Reflecting on the murders, he described the crimes as outrageous. He added that he never imagined Pong could become so cruel.
Meanwhile, the criminal investigation has continued to gather pace. Senior commanders are now pursuing fresh witness evidence under direct orders from Thai National Police Commissioner General Kittirat Phanphet.
Detectives are attempting to identify anyone who may have assisted Pong before the killings. They are also investigating claims involving current and former police officers.
Police turn to Pong’s girlfriend as witness in bid to identify officer linked to methamphetamine claims
As part of this, investigators have turned to Pong’s LGBTQ girlfriend. She has reportedly told detectives she was taken to Huai Yai Police Station. She also claimed she received methamphetamine there from a police officer. According to her account, that officer supervised Pong as a police informant and criminal asset within Pattaya’s underworld.
Reports this week suggest that this officer, Pong’s handler, goes by the nickname “Finger” and appears to have given the criminal instructions. So much so that he started to wear police-style gear while also using a police identification tag around his neck.
Police now believe the witness could prove crucial. Consequently, they are preparing a formal identification process. Under the proposal, she will be asked to identify both serving and retired officers from Huai Yai Police Station. Detectives hope the exercise will establish the identity of the officer she described.
In parallel, investigators are tracing the alleged methamphetamine supply chain. They are trying to determine who supplied Pong with drugs. They are also examining who received them. Detectives believe that evidence could help establish whether others were involved in the wider criminal network.
Separately, Royal Thai Police spokesperson Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan confirmed the latest investigative steps on August 4. He said Commissioner General Kittirat Phanphet had ordered a full inquiry into every allegation involving police officers. Accordingly, he coordinated directly with the Chonburi Provincial Police Commander to review the claims.
Witness identification drive expands as police widen inquiry into alleged links between Pong and officers
Following those discussions, both officers agreed that witness identification should move forward. The proposal includes serving officers and retired personnel from Huai Yai Police Station.
Investigators hope witness identification will either support or eliminate individuals from the inquiry. They will then compare those identifications with existing witness statements and other evidence.
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Furthermore, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stressed that the Royal Thai Police would pursue the investigation to its conclusion. He instructed the Chonburi Provincial Police Commander to provide continuous progress reports. He also said significant developments should be released to the public without delay.
For now, detectives continue examining organised crime links, drug trafficking allegations and possible police involvement. At the same time, every witness statement is being tested against physical evidence.
The investigation has now expanded far beyond the five murders. Instead, it has become a sweeping inquiry into the criminal network allegedly led by Thana Kerdthong, better known as “Pong”, and anyone who may have helped him operate.
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Further reading:
Police search for Russian siblings who disappeared after Sunday morning motorbike ride in Pattaya
Thailand closes its doors to dodgy foreigners and tourists who abuse their welcome through crime
60-day visa regime to be ended confirms Minister responding to rising industry security concerns
Tourism boss warns Thailand it is facing a Chinese blacklist if another security controversy erupts
Visa waiver scheme questioned with another China Crisis for foreign tourism driven by security fears
