CSD probing disappearance of Taiwanese businessman

CSD probing disappearance of Taiwanese businessman

Businessman Suwat Santayodom, 57, files a complaint at the Crime Suppression Division, asking for help finding his Taiwanese friend (inset top), missing since Nov 20. (Photos by Wassayos Ngamkham)
Businessman Suwat Santayodom, 57, files a complaint at the Crime Suppression Division, asking for help finding his Taiwanese friend (inset top), missing since Nov 20. (Photos by Wassayos Ngamkham)

Crime Suppression Division police are investigating the disappearance of a Taiwanese businessmen last seen leaving a Bangkok mall in the company of some Thai men a week ago.

Simon Jiang, 58, has been uncontactable since Nov 20, when he was escorted out of the Central Lad Phrao shopping mall, Pol Col Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy CSD commander, said on Tuesday.

CSD investigators were trying to determine who the men were and where they took the missing man.

On Monday, businessman Suwat Santayodom, 57, filed a missing person complaint at the CSD. He said Mr Jiang was a close friend and operator of a charter flight and airline ticketing business. 

His friend had been missing since Nov 20 and he feared he had been abducted. Mr Jiang had access to confidential information about his compatriots' business interests, Mr Suwat said.

Pol Col Charoonkiart said initial inquiries suggested the group of men had taken the Taiwanese man away to settle some secret business matter. The CSD deputy commander did not elaborate.

Investigators were working with immigration police in response to reports Mr Jiang may have entered Cambodia through an unpoliced pathway.

“His relatives in Taiwan inform us that they have not been able to contact him. They want Thai police to find out his whereabouts and whether he is still alive or not.

"His son will tomorrow [Nov 28] file a complaint with an international agency in Taipei, asking they  coordinate with Thai authorities,’’ Pol Col Charoonkiart said.

Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, the immigration chief, said Mr Jiang was suspected in a defamation and extortion case involving a Taiwanese compatriot. He was arrested and later released on 200,000 baht bail.  

He was due to report to police on Nov 20, but failed to show up, Pol Lt Gen Surachate said.

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