Police Investigate Alleged Extortion of Chinese Tourists in Pattaya

[misskit]

Pattaya police are investigating a video alleging that a group of men posing as police officers extorted 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists on the Pattaya motorway.


The video, which was shared on social media, shows two Chinese tourists driving a rental car when they were stopped by a group of men in a white SUV. The men approached the tourists and demanded to see their passports, claiming that they are police officers. They then accused the tourists of violating traffic laws and demanded a bribe of 700,000 baht.


The video firstly became public after the owner of a rental car business submitted the video to a famous Thai Facebook page to share their customers’ ordeal with social media users.

The owner asked if the men seen in the dashcam footage were really police officers.


The owner said the alleged extortion took place around 200 meters from a Pattaya toll booth at 7:29 PM on July 10th.


In response to the incident, Pol. Lt. Gen. Archayon Kraithong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, stated that police are still unable to locate the two tourists depicted in the video. He mentioned that the car rental company involved also has not lodged a formal complaint with the police.


Meanwhile, Pol. Col. Tawee Kudthalaeng, Chief of the Nongprue Police, urged both the tourists and the vehicle owner to visit the Nongprue Police Station to provide formal statements.

Police Investigate Alleged Extortion of Chinese Tourists in Pattaya - The Pattaya News

[39TG]

The Chinese embassy should dial this up. Then the Thai police will jump.

[misskit]

Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Extortion of Chinese Nationals on Route to Pattaya

A police officer has been arrested after allegedly extorting 700,000 baht from a group of Chinese nationals driving to Pattaya earlier last week.

On July 19th, 2024, Chonburi Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Thirachai Chamnanmor, along with the Region 2 Police and Pattaya Police managed to locate the Chinese victims, who were initially hesitant to come forward after allegedly being extorted by a group of men posing as police on a highway heading to Pattaya.

The two victims, identified as Mr. Jin Chui, 43, and Mr. Chen Wei, 44, were found hiding in a condominium in Jomtien, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. In a surprising twist, the two men were not tourists but were reportedly wanted in China for gambling-related offenses, and had illegally entered Thailand from Laos in December 2023, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thirachai said.




Mr. Chui and Mr. Wei crossed the Mekong River into Chiang Rai province and subsequently made their way to Pattaya. The reason they did not file a police complaint regarding the extortion was likely due to their fear of arrest, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thirachai noted.


The Banglamung Police initially detained the two men for illegal entry. During their interrogation, the victims also described their extortion ordeal, leading to the arrest of Pol Sgt Thitiwat Rujirawong. He faces charges of abuse of power, coercion, and illegal detention. The arrest warrant was issued around 10:45 AM on July 23rd by the Pattaya Provincial Court, and Pol Sgt Thitiwat was apprehended outside the Division 2 police headquarters in Bang Pla Soi, Mueang district, Chonburi. He has denied all allegations as of press time.


Additionally, reports suggest that four more suspects are set to be arrested, including one more police officer from the Crime Suppression Division and three civilians. Details about these individuals have yet to be disclosed.

UPDATE: Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Extortion of Chinese Nationals on Route to Pattaya - The Pattaya News

[harrybarracuda]

Mr. Chui and Mr. Wei crossed the Mekong River into Chiang Rai province and subsequently made their way to Pattaya. The reason they did not file a police complaint regarding the extortion was likely due to their fear of arrest, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thirachai noted.
The Banglamung Police initially detained the two men for illegal entry.

OK so it wasn't Bt700K for traffic offences but in fact to avoid jail for being illegal aliens.

Quite why they told the rental company I have no idea.

[DrWilly]

In a surprising twist…

[Seekingasylum]

It’s a medieval snake pit.

Ghastly place.

[malmomike77]

It’s a medieval snake pit.

Ghastly place.

Indeed, who'd live in Pattaya

[misskit]

Thai Man Surrenders to Pattaya Police in 700,000 Baht Extortion Scandal Involving Officers

A Thai man has surrendered to Pattaya Police on accusations of being involved with two police officers who allegedly extorted 700,000 baht from a group of Chinese nationals traveling to Pattaya earlier this month. However, he has denied all accusations.

The suspect, identified by authorities only as Mr. Worapon, surrendered himself to Nongprue Police Station on July 30th, 2024. He was subsequently questioned by Pol. Lt. Col. Somchok Fakphairoj, the Deputy Superintendent of the Nongprue Police Station.


Mr. Worapon was accompanied by his lawyer during the questioning. He remained silent and showed no apparent concern when questioned by local reporters. His lawyer stated that Mr. Worapon decided to surrender voluntarily to demonstrate his innocence, asserting that he had no direct involvement in the case. According to the lawyer, Mr. Worapon only happened to be present in a vehicle used during the incident but had no active role in the alleged extortion.


According to police reports, the case involves two police officers who are accused of participating in the extortion. The officers face charges including abuse of power, misconduct, coercion, and illegal detention. Both officers have denied all the allegations and have secured bail after placing 400,000 baht surety each. The trial is still ongoing.


Alongside Mr. Worapon, two other suspects are being pursued by the authorities. Mr. Worapon is charged with four offenses, including aiding the officers’ misconduct, supporting the officers’ criminal activities or dereliction of duty, coercion, and illegal detention.

UPDATE: Thai Man Surrenders to Pattaya Police in 700,000 Baht Extortion Scandal Involving Officers - The Pattaya News

[DrWilly]

According to the lawyer, Mr. Worapon only happened to be present in a vehicle used during the incident but had no active role in the alleged extortion.

Just an innocent old Joe nobody who happened to be getting a free lift somewhere with the ever helpful police?