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Published on July 14, 2007

The gang demanded a Bt40-million ransom.

Security guard Makkawan Sukkhun told police the gang arrived at the apartment building at 5am. The men drove a red Honda car and white Toyota van.

Police learned the men were hooded and armed and claimed to have an arrest warrant for landlord Rattana Kumar, 52, on money-laundering charges.

Makkawan told police the gang had forced him to take them to Rattana's apartment, where they abducted the father and son.

Rattana later told police the gang had demanded Bt40 million, which he said he could not raise. The gang reduced the demand to Bt30 million. He was released in the Don Muang area and told to gather the money for his son's release.

Half an hour later Rasim telephoned to say he had been let go in the Nawanakhon area.

Metropolitan Police division 5 deputy commander Colonel Chan Choonhawong said police suspected the gang had given up on their plan after learning the police had been alerted.

Police were told Rattana recently dismissed his driver after he had demanded repayment for bogus automobile repairs.

Police suspect disgruntled employees may be behind the kidnapping as revenge for rebukes by a "hot-tempered" Rattana and son.