Eight police officers in Pathum Thani have been removed following allegations they extorted a valuable gold necklace from a local couple. Yuwadee, 29, who runs a snooker club, reported that the incident occurred at her home on March 25. Officers allegedly demanded 200,000 baht, ultimately taking a gold necklace valued at nearly 150,000 baht.
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The officers reportedly arrived without permission, claiming to be on duty, and searched Yuwadee's house. Failing to find illegal items, they focused on a notebook listing debts owed to her. The officers accused her of illegal money lending, seizing the couple's bank accounts, which held minimal funds.
Threatened with prosecution, Yuwadee was pressured into paying 100,000 baht within ten minutes. Concerned for her children, she gave them her gold necklace. Later, the officers returned 10,000 baht, apologizing due to her family situation. Feeling that proper legal channels weren't followed, Yuwadee filed a complaint backed by CCTV evidence.
Responding to her complaint, the local non-profit Saimai Survive supported her cause, leading to an investigation where the eight officers denied wrongdoing. However, they were removed from duty pending further inquiry. Pathum Thani Police Commander Peeraphon Chotikasathian mentioned that a civilian's involvement is also under scrutiny and warned of severe penalties, including the death penalty, if extortion charges are proven.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 01 Apr 2026