Thai police removed after video exposes traffic fine misconduct

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ Social Hunter 2022

 

By Petch Petpailin

 

A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally.

 

The Facebook news page Social Hunter 2022 yesterday, December 22, shared the video, which shows a traffic officer from Rattanathibet Police Station collecting an unofficial fine from a motorcycle rider and his wife inside a police booth. The page captioned the post…

 

“What they’re doing in this police booth… Looks suspicious, doesn’t it? #Nonthaburi.”

 

The video, recorded from behind the officer, shows him talking to a couple who violated traffic laws. However, the conversation between them was not audible in the recording.

 

 

The officer was seen instructing the couple to place cash on the table before handing back their confiscated driving licence. He appeared to act as though he was going to record the fine on an official receipt but failed to do so, letting the couple leave without issuing one. Under the law, motorists must receive a receipt whenever they pay a fine.

 

At the end of the video, the officer noticed he was being filmed and asked the person recording, “What are you doing here?” The recorder responded, “Thank you, sir,” before fleeing the scene.

 

Channel 7 reported that an official announcement had been made regarding the temporary removal of the officer in question during an investigation into his alleged misconduct. Rattanathibet Police Station assured the public that the investigation would be completed within three days.

 

If found guilty, the officer could face a penalty of imprisonment ranging from five to 20 years, life imprisonment, or a fine of 100,000 to 400,000 baht, in accordance with Section 149 of the Criminal Code. This section pertains to the illegal solicitation, receipt, or agreement to receive property or benefits by individuals in official positions.

 

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-23

 

 

[richard_smith237]

Has anyone ever had a 'traffic fine' that has not  been 'collected' in this manner ????

 

 

The only issue here is the is that it was caught on video...

 

... whoever published the video might now expect to be charged with brining Thailand into disrepute and some made up crime of filming and official and that being a breach of the computer crimes act or some such similar face saving measure... 

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally.

Been going on forever, pay me now and go on your way, or get a ticket and go to the station...

The first option I have no real problem with.

[lamecn]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Been going on forever, pay me now and go on your way, or get a ticket and go to the station...

The first option I have no real problem with.

Years back, I and a Singaporean friend went to Trat, my Singaporean friend was driving, we were checked at the the large checkpoint before Trat, they didn't accept his Singaporean drivers license, I presented the agreement regarding the use of SEA licenses allover ASEAN, they didn't accept it. He had to pay 600 THB, and we had a receipt, in Thai language, when translated the ticket said: "Expired Thai license"

[hotchilli]

25 minutes ago, lamecn said:

Years back, I and a Singaporean friend went to Trat, my Singaporean friend was driving, we were checked at the the large checkpoint before Trat, they didn't accept his Singaporean drivers license, I presented the agreement regarding the use of SEA licenses allover ASEAN, they didn't accept it. He had to pay 600 THB, and we had a receipt, in Thai language, when translated the ticket said: "Expired Thai license"

Did you get the receipt at the station or the road side?

 

[mfd101]

Always ask for a receipt BEFORE handing over money. 9 times out of 10 he'll make a rude noise then wave you on without the fine ...

[Purdey]

I am shocked, nay stunned, that this kind of thing happens in Thailand. I do hope this honest police investigation finds the evidence that it is just a misunderstanding. 

[lordgrinz]

Welcome to the 3rd World.

[john donson]

all a  misunderstanding

 

if he gets fired, he should report he was collecting for his boss/police new year party/ upgrade in rank

[ChipButty]

Having lived here for 25 years and done quite a lot of driving to different parts of Thailand, all it has ever cost me was 400 baht for being in the wrong lane, that was in Bangkok, and a packet of Benson & Hedges in Udon Thanni, they said I was speeding but they didn't have any equipment to prove I was speeding, 

I wanted to drive to Malaysia and I had the correct documents and the sticker on the truck, but they wouldn't let me through the Thai side, they said not allowed, was allowed if I pay a couple of 1000's baht, 

[ChipButty]

37 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I am shocked, nay stunned, that this kind of thing happens in Thailand. I do hope this honest police investigation finds the evidence that it is just a misunderstanding. 

Stick around you will be stunned, 

[black tabby12345]

for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally.

 

Normal fine payment at the station.

But concessional rate offered if paid on the spot in cash?

Long standing police practice under scrutiny.

 

[black tabby12345]

 

A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station...

 

 

Does that mean that cop was transferred to any other job other than the traffic?

Or moved to any other provinces on temporary basis?

[quake]

Outrageous behavior.

Sullying the good name of the Royal Thai Police Force.

Hope he is made to do at least ten Jumping jacks.

Outside the police station. for all to see. for that.

 

 

[biggles45]

6 hours ago, lamecn said:

presented the agreement regarding the use of SEA licenses allover ASEAN, they didn't accept it

I have never had a problem with my Philippine licence. 

I would have taken the receipt to the police station where a more knowledgeable officer would most likely cancel it. An email to the Singapore consulate would have been a good step also. 

[scorecard]

18 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Has anyone ever had a 'traffic fine' that has not  been 'collected' in this manner ????

 

 

The only issue here is the is that it was caught on video...

 

... whoever published the video might now expect to be charged with brining Thailand into disrepute and some made up crime of filming and official and that being a breach of the computer crimes act or some such similar face saving measure... 

 

I was sitting in the drivers seat, car parked at a gasoline service centre near Chonburi City. My Thai adult son in the passengers seat.

Son's Thai wife and her father (about 65 years old) sitting in the back.

Cop walked up my drivers window and said '1.000Baht'.

My son's father in law heard the cop and in an official manner pulled the cops hand into the car and said 'what is the charge, and show me your receipt book'.

 

Cop fled. 

 

[ujayujay]

The usual trick, 400 Baht with receipt or 200 Baht without directly into the policeman's Pocket.........