16-7-2024 (BANGKOK) The Provincial Police Region 2 commander has stated that the four men alleged to have extorted 700,000 baht from two Chinese tourists on Motorway No. 7 en route to Pattaya are police officers. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about potential abuse of authority.
According to Pol Maj General Teerachai Chamnanmor, the Region 2 commander, the four officers involved in the alleged extortion are still denying the accusations. However, investigators are diligently gathering evidence and witness testimonies to unravel the truth behind the case.
The issue came to light on Monday when the owner of a rental car business submitted a video clip from a dashboard camera to the ‘Sai Mai Tong Rod’ Facebook page, which accepts public complaints about state officials. The footage depicted a harrowing scene in which two Chinese tourists, driving from the airport towards Pattaya on Motorway No. 7, were forced to stop by a white SUV blocking their path.
Moments later, a black SUV arrived, and a group of at least four men surrounded the tourists’ vehicle, claiming to be police officers. They demanded to check the tourists’ passports and took photographs of them before ordering the passengers to exit the vehicle.
According to the person who posted the video, the two Chinese tourists were allegedly told to pay 700,000 baht in exchange for their release. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.
As the video went viral, Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Lt-General Archayon Kraithong stated that investigators have yet to locate the two tourists featured in the clip. He added that the car rental company had not filed a formal complaint with the police regarding the incident.
“This is a serious matter, and the plaintiff must file a complaint at the police station responsible for the area in which the alleged event occurred,” Archayon said. “However, investigators will continue working on the case despite no plaintiffs showing up. We expect to uncover more details within two days.”
Meanwhile, Nong Prue Police chief Pol Col Tawee Kudthalaeng has urged the tourists and the owner of the vehicle to come forward and provide statements at the Nong Prue Police Station. This step is crucial to allow investigators to uncover the truth as soon as possible.
