Thai cattle trader freed by kidnappers

A Thai cattle trader kidnapped in Laos has been released, appearing weak but without serious injury.

Related story: Lao driver in Thai merchant’s kidnapping located

Singkaew Wongyai, 54, was found walking behind a factory in the province of Bokeo, which borders Chiang Rai province. 

There was no immediate evidence of a reported gunshot wound to his leg - blood stains could be seen in a video clip which was shot by the kidnappers and sent to his daughter using his Line app soon after he was abducted.

He is now undergoing medical tests at a hospital in Laos.

Singkaew’s release reportedly followed heavy pressure by Lao authorities and police.

A Lao police source said that after he was kidnapped, a Bt5 million ransom was demanded from his family, claiming he had failed to deliver 150,000 heads of cattle annually to buyers from five large companies based in China.

Singkaew is expected to five more details about his kidnapping and the business deals in question when he is released from the hospital.