Thailand arrests criminal group hiding human bodies in refrigerators

Three foreigners were arrested yesterday after authorities discovered they were hiding fake passports, guns, drugs and body parts of a victim in a refrigerator.

Thai police are investigating the identities of the victims and suspects. Photo: News.Thaivisa

When police raided the building in Bangkok, one of the three suspects opened fire, injuring an officer, AFP reported today.

Along with drugs and a gun, police found the body of a blond foreigner in a locked freezer in the basement. Forensic officers are working to identify the victim.

"We seized more than 10 fake documents, including passports. We suspect these people are part of a group that makes fake passports," said Suwat Jangyodsuk, deputy commander of Bangkok police.

Authorities are trying to determine the nationalities of the three English-speaking suspects but are leaning toward the theory that they are American or British. A spokesman for the US Embassy in Thailand said it was monitoring the case but could not comment publicly.

The suspects were charged with six crimes, including resisting public officials, illegal possession of weapons, forging documents and concealing a body, said Phra Khanong District Police Chief Chanin Vachirapraneekul. The Myanmar owner and her husband have not been charged and are being treated as witnesses.

In February, Thai police arrested an Iranian nicknamed “Doctor” who was making fake passports in Bangkok and supplying them to thousands of people around the world. His “customers” included gang members, militants, refugees and migrant workers.

Thailand has long been considered a haven for foreign criminals and fugitives due to lax visa requirements, border controls and police corruption. The trade in fake documents also helps many in the criminal underground hide.

According to VNE