A group of Chinese men attempted to kidnap compatriots for ransom at a Pattaya villa this morning, but fled after a Thai woman escaped and alerted police.
The incident happened at 3am today at house in Suphamit Village, Bang Lamung district.
Police received reports of a dispute and attempted kidnapping at the two-storey pool villa. Officers rushed to the scene.
When they arrived, they found a white car parked outside the house. Upon seeing the officers, the suspects accelerated and hit another vehicle and a police motorbike, causing the motorcycle to overturn.
The perpetrators then sped away towards Soi Huai Yai, apparently familiar with the local area.
Neighbours saw two men in the car before a young woman ran from the house screaming for help. The woman and a Chinese man had been held inside, presumably for ransom, but she managed to escape and call police.
Officers searched the crime scene and are examining CCTV footage along the escape route. The Chinese couple who own the house are being questioned to establish motives and identify networks involved.
