PATTAYA – Senior police investigators have taken swift action against their own personnel following serious corruption allegations from foreign visitors. Senior officers recently ordered three patrolmen to step down from their regular duties amidst a growing public scandal. The sudden move comes after a group of Kuwaiti tourists accused the men of extortion during routine traffic stops.
The controversy started when a group of Kuwaiti tourists came forward with video evidence and questionable financial documents. They claimed uniform officers repeatedly stopped them for traffic violations and demanded immediate cash payments. These visitors recorded the interactions on their phones and shared the footage with local media. The actions quickly sparked widespread anger on Thai social media platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Three Pattaya patrol officers have been temporarily reassigned to an inactive post during a corruption probe.
- Kuwaiti tourists provided video evidence showing uniformed officers demanding cash and issuing fake receipts.
- Top police officials confirm the receipts given to the tourists did not originate from the official police station.
In response to the public outcry, high-ranking officials initiated a formal fact-finding committee to look into the matter. Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Catchamart, the deputy chief of suppression at Pattaya City Police Station, is leading the internal investigation. Authorities want to move as quickly as possible to protect the vital tourism image of the coastal resort city.
The three affected officers have been moved to the Pattaya City Police Operations Center until the probe finishes. Officials identified the patrolmen as Sgt. Maj. Kittikun Fonrueang, Sgt. Nattadol Malee, and Petty Officer Kiattisak Saenpathom. This temporary reassignment ensures that the ongoing investigation remains completely transparent and fair to all parties.
Fake Receipts Discovered in Preliminary Check
Initial inspections of the documents handed to the Kuwaiti nationals revealed shocking details about the illegal operation. Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat confirmed that the suspicious receipts were not authentic documents from the Pattaya City Police Station. Investigators noted the paperwork resembled generic cash bills rather than official government financial records.
Superiors are currently searching for the holidaymakers to obtain official statements regarding the exact location of the incidents. Investigators also need to understand how the money changed hands before they can finalize the criminal charges. If the committee finds the men guilty, the officers will face severe disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
Acting Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Lt. Col. Kosala Ngamphong signed the official transfer order to maintain public confidence. Local leaders emphasize that the safety and fair treatment of international travelers remains a top priority for Thailand. Security forces want to reassure the global community that illegal behavior will not be tolerated.
Foreign visitors who experience unfair treatment or extortion are urged to contact the authorities right away. Travelers can file complaints directly at the station or call the Chonburi Provincial Police hotline at 112. The department promises a swift, transparent response to protect tourists from any future exploitation.
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