Thai Police Officer Investigated Over 500 Baht Bribe Claim in Khon Kaen

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Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

Following the viral spread of a video showing a police officer accepting a bribe of 500 baht, Colonel Yoswat Kaewsupthanit, the Superintendent of Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, ordered an investigation.

 

It was discovered that the officer in question, a sergeant in the traffic division, admitted to accepting the money but claimed he had returned it to the individual. Despite this, the officer was found to have committed an offence, leading to disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

 

The incident first came to light on social media and various pages in Khon Kaen Province, which showed a traffic officer allegedly accepting a bribe from a motorbike rider. The video sparked widespread criticism and calls for a thorough investigation, urging the authorities to take decisive action.

 

On November 18, Colonel Yoswat addressed the incident, revealing that it occurred in August 2024. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the motorbike rider’s girlfriend had recorded the video. The officer, identified by badge number 6631, confirmed his involvement but stated that he had refunded the money to the victim.

“This incident is a clear case of an officer seeking an improper benefit. Initially, he is guilty of both disciplinary and criminal violations. I have therefore set up a fact-finding committee to conduct a full investigation,” Colonel Yoswat said.

 

He also announced that the officer would be reassigned to the station’s administrative office while the inquiry is ongoing, and the committee has been given seven days to complete its review.

 

Colonel Yoswat emphasized that the officer’s actions were improper, as he failed to follow the proper procedures. Traffic officers are trained to handle such cases through established channels, which involve setting up roadblocks for inspections and handling the seized vehicles accordingly.

 

Even in on-the-spot encounters, officers are required to issue fines and bring the vehicles to the station for further processing, rather than accepting bribes or bypassing protocols.

 

He also reassured the public that if they encounter issues with the conduct of officers at Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, they should feel free to lodge complaints directly with him or report the matter to the police at any time, via the 191 emergency hotline, reported Daily News.

 

-- 2024-11-19