Yan Ruimin, 38, was last heard from on June 30, according to her friend. She was last seen getting into a car in Bangkok on July 1, and her phone signal was last detected in Chachoengsao two days later. (Photo: Metropolitan Police Bureau)
Thai police are intensifying their efforts to locate and rescue Yan Ruimin, a Chinese woman believed to have been kidnapped and held for ransom by a compatriot in Thailand. Cau Boxuan, a Chinese national, reported her disappearance to officers at the Bang Rak police station on Friday, expressing deep concern for her safety. Yan Ruimin had last contacted him on June 30, informing him of her upcoming trip to Phuket on July 2.
Per a police source, Yan’s relatives, distraught over her prolonged silence, traveled to Thailand and sought assistance from the Chinese embassy. Shortly thereafter, a suspect contacted them, demanding a ransom of 1 million yuan (equivalent to 5 million baht) for Yan’s release. The suspect sternly warned them against involving the police or embassy, threatening to jeopardize Yan’s safety if they did.
Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Thiti Sangsawang has tasked investigators with collaborating closely with the Immigration Bureau to expedite the search for Yan and the apprehension of the suspect. The investigation quickly pinpointed the suspect as Ma Qingyan, who had rented a car in Bangkok on June 30. According to the source, an employee from the rental company delivered the vehicle to a hotel in Silom where Ma was staying.
Security footage from July 1 captured Yan entering the rented car near Times Square, close to Sukhumvit Soi 12. The footage further tracked the car heading towards Sukhumvit Soi 16. The following day, the vehicle was seen departing Soi Sukhumvit 16 and proceeding to Chon Buri.
In the early morning hours of July 3, the car’s trail led investigators to Chachoengsao, and soon after, Yan’s phone signal ceased in an area adjacent to a public park near Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in Muang district. The sudden loss of the phone signal marked a crucial point in the investigation.
Intriguingly, the suspect, Ma Qingyan, checked out of the Silom hotel and returned the rental car before catching a flight to Hong Kong from Suvarnabhumi airport on the afternoon of July 3.
With every tick of the clock, the urgency in Yan Ruimin’s case heightens. Her family and friends wait with bated breath as Thai authorities push the pedal to the metal in a race against time to bring her back safely.
This case is a textbook example of why we need better international cooperation in law enforcement.
I disagree. Sovereign countries shouldn’t let foreign police forces operate on their soil.
But Hans, criminals don’t respect borders. Police forces should work together to bring them to justice.
Julie, I get that, but national sovereignty is a big deal. We can’t ignore it for the sake of cooperation.
And yet cases like Yan’s might be resolved faster if authorities worked together seamlessly.
The poor woman’s family must be going through hell right now. I hope they catch this Ma Qingyan quickly.
Indeed. It’s terrifying to think about what Yan might be enduring.
Kidnappers like Ma Qingyan need to face severe consequences. This kind of crime shouldn’t be tolerated anywhere!
David, totally agree. A firm legal response is crucial to deter such actions!
Thailand seems to be having more and more of these high-profile cases. What’s going on with their law enforcement?
Joe, it might look that way because these cases get a lot of media attention, but it doesn’t mean the country’s law enforcement is lacking.
Tommy, I think Joe has a point. It feels like we’re hearing about these incidents more frequently.
Exactly, Yasmin. Maybe international scrutiny is what they need to step up their game.
Why would she be kidnapped by someone from her own country? Seems fishy. Maybe there’s more to this story.
Kate, it’s entirely possible it’s just about money. Greed knows no nationality.
Erik is right. Sometimes the people you trust the most can be the ones who betray you for cash.
Is it true that Ma Qingyan managed to leave the country? How is that even possible with all the surveillance at airports?
This sounds like a thriller movie plot. Hoping for a safe resolution for Yan!
gamer89, right? Real life can be stranger than fiction. Fingers crossed for her.
Honestly, it’s frustrating to think someone could pull off such a crime and just vanish.
What role is the Chinese embassy playing in all this? They should be doing more to help.
Linda, embassies often have limited power in such situations. It’s tricky.
Still, they should be offering as much support as they can. People’s lives are at stake.
Exactly, David. They should be pushing harder, especially since it’s one of their own citizens.
How do we even know she’s still alive? It’s been several days since she was last heard from.
Sam, let’s stay hopeful. Until there’s evidence otherwise, there’s every chance she’s still out there.
Ugh, this is so scary. I hope they find her soon. I’ve traveled to Thailand, and it’s shocking to hear this happened there.
Thai authorities must be facing enormous pressure. These cases can tarnish a country’s reputation.
The fact that her phone signal was last detected near a public park is suspicious. Has anyone checked the park thoroughly?
If anyone has information, they should come forward. Keeping quiet only makes things worse.