Former Minister Reveals Alleged Phuket Police Extortion Racket

[webfact]

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Former finance minister Sommai Phasee has made explosive claims about corrupt police practices in Phuket, suggesting tourists are being extorted for bribes. According to Sommai, officers are reportedly stopping foreign visitors—particularly those on motorcycles—for minor violations and demanding on-the-spot payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht to avoid arrest.

 

Sharing his allegations on Facebook, Sommai expressed his frustrations, stating that corruption is a pervasive issue throughout Thailand. His revelations have prompted serious concerns about the impact of such practices on the country’s reputation as a tourist hotspot.

 

"How can Thai tourism thrive when corruption is so deeply rooted in the system?" Sommai questioned. He painted a bleak picture of systemic corruption extending beyond just the police force, implicating high-level officials, politicians, and business leaders as well.

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Post

 

The former minister described how officers target tourists for supposed infractions like not wearing helmets or lacking licences. Instead of receiving official fines, unsuspecting tourists are coerced into handing over substantial cash bribes, affecting their overall experience of Thailand.

 

Sommai’s claims have brought renewed scrutiny to the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the country. He criticised the National Anti-Corruption Commission, suggesting that many citizens perceive it as another entity susceptible to influence and monetary "fixes."

 

He highlighted other recent corruption scandals, such as alleged bribery in government projects, illicit land sales, and accusations against members of the Football Association of Thailand. Such instances underline the challenges facing Thailand in addressing systemic corruption.

 

Beyond the police, Sommai called for comprehensive reforms and greater public accountability. He urged Thai citizens to hold officials responsible, especially amidst recent political changes. He voiced his concern about corruption becoming so ingrained in the country's fabric, causing many to lose hope in reform.

 

“Corruption affects us all—it’s about the everyday people who suffer because of it,” Sommai stated, emphasising the broader societal impacts.

 

In light of these serious allegations, there’s a pressing need for concrete actions aimed at restoring trust and integrity within Thailand’s institutions. Sommai's statements have undoubtedly ignited debates on whether currently embedded corruption can feasibly be dismantled or if it requires an overhaul of existing systems.

 

As tourism remains a critical sector for Thailand, the spotlight is now on how authorities will respond to these devastating claims. For the millions visiting the country annually, the hope is for a trustworthy environment reflecting the warmth and hospitality Thailand is famed for, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

 

[ikke1959]

The RTP is the most incompetent institution in Thailand....Too lazy to do anything, corrupt, and no clue what the real laws are. They all should be investigated person by person, checked their tax form and assets and fired if the administration is not correct. The RTP have an attitude that they are untouchable and behave like that, with their Christmas decorated uniforms...Reform to a working policeforce should be much much better for Thailand

[Jim Blue]

Good point they  got Al Capone  via his tax returns . Why not in Thailand ?

[wozzlegummich]

[Jeff the Chef]

Former finance minister Sommai Phasee, how long before he has a sudden accident or gets accused of something?

Good job betting is verboten in Thailand. 

[jwl53]

Not just phuket but where there is a foreigners

Waiting for traffic light surrounded by thais with no helmets, the cop signalled me out of about 50 bikes

The cop demanded 5000 I told him I want go police station to pay fine, he kicked and screamed I cannot got to pay him, until I rang my wife, first he refused to her demanding me to pay him eventually he spoke to her and after a few minutes off we went to the cop shop, (20 mtr away) after being made to wait and the descop refusing  to accept a complaint about the box cop the fine was paid receipt issued  FINE 400 baht!!!!! Ok I was in the wrong and accepted the fine but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Classic Ray]

To tackle corruption, along with dismissing the guilty, there must be an increase in salaries for police officers to. remove the temptation and excuse for corruption. This was done in Singapore and Hong Kong, with the latter having the ICAC staffed by British officers to investigate corrupt staff.

 

RTP is massively over staffed they can afford to lose a few corrupt ones. Once the police force is reformed, they can tackle corruption in other bodies like the armed forces and Government , that must also have their salaries increased.

 

The extra money needed can come from less corrupt and more efficient tax collection, including a raised VAT rate as consumption taxes are most easily collected.

 

This demands a complete change in culture and mindset from the population that may take generations to happen, and a progressive Government who want to change the status quo. Unfortunately the Establishment are doing all they can to prevent this and retain the current position. 

[harryviking]

Again it seems like Phuket is the place for all things that are BAD! After visiting Thailand for 37 years, I have only once, Pattaya 1988, been "had" for 200 baht after they removed a "one way" sign and stood in the other end handing out fines of 200Baht! It was actually quite hilarious when I pointed out the problem and that smile on their faces and a clap on the shoulder and "have a nice evening"! 😂😂

[frankie machine]

very scary, an honest politician.   how long before he gets bumped off?

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Former finance minister Sommai Phasee has made explosive claims about corrupt police practices in Phuket, suggesting tourists are being extorted for bribes. According to Sommai, officers are reportedly stopping foreign visitors—particularly those on motorcycles—for minor violations and demanding on-the-spot payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht to avoid arrest.

 

Sharing his allegations on Facebook, Sommai expressed his frustrations, stating that corruption is a pervasive issue throughout Thailand. His revelations have prompted serious concerns about the impact of such practices on the country’s reputation as a tourist hotspot.

 

"How can Thai tourism thrive when corruption is so deeply rooted in the system?" Sommai questioned. He painted a bleak picture of systemic corruption extending beyond just the police force, implicating high-level officials, politicians, and business leaders as well.

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Post

 

The former minister described how officers target tourists for supposed infractions like not wearing helmets or lacking licences. Instead of receiving official fines, unsuspecting tourists are coerced into handing over substantial cash bribes, affecting their overall experience of Thailand.

 

Sommai’s claims have brought renewed scrutiny to the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the country. He criticised the National Anti-Corruption Commission, suggesting that many citizens perceive it as another entity susceptible to influence and monetary "fixes."

 

 

He highlighted other recent corruption scandals, such as alleged bribery in government projects, illicit land sales, and accusations against members of the Football Association of Thailand. Such instances underline the challenges facing Thailand in addressing systemic corruption.

 

Beyond the police, Sommai called for comprehensive reforms and greater public accountability. He urged Thai citizens to hold officials responsible, especially amidst recent political changes. He voiced his concern about corruption becoming so ingrained in the country's fabric, causing many to lose hope in reform.

 

“Corruption affects us all—it’s about the everyday people who suffer because of it,” Sommai stated, emphasising the broader societal impacts.

 

In light of these serious allegations, there’s a pressing need for concrete actions aimed at restoring trust and integrity within Thailand’s institutions. Sommai's statements have undoubtedly ignited debates on whether currently embedded corruption can feasibly be dismantled or if it requires an overhaul of existing systems.

 

As tourism remains a critical sector for Thailand, the spotlight is now on how authorities will respond to these devastating claims. For the millions visiting the country annually, the hope is for a trustworthy environment reflecting the warmth and hospitality Thailand is famed for, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

 

That can't be true. Fake facts. 😂

[cjinchiangrai]

7 minutes ago, jwl53 said:

Not just phuket but where there is a foreigners

Waiting for traffic light surrounded by thais with no helmets, the cop signalled me out of about 50 bikes

The cop demanded 5000 I told him I want go police station to pay fine, he kicked and screamed I cannot got to pay him, until I rang my wife, first he refused to her demanding me to pay him eventually he spoke to her and after a few minutes off we went to the cop shop, (20 mtr away) after being made to wait and the descop refusing  to accept a complaint about the box cop the fine was paid receipt issued  FINE 400 baht!!!!! Ok I was in the wrong and accepted the fine but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is the answer, ask for the tickets and payment receipts.

 

They are getting greedy. It used to be 50 baht for no helmet and pulling over everyone in sight, the last week of each month.

[Boedog]

It a Thailand problem,  corruption is a way of life here at every level, recently a son of a friend is due to do the army thing were they choose a coloured ball to see if they have to join the army at a meeting it was suggested if they pay 50,000 baht it would go away, immigration,  police, politicians,  police are just blatant about it they can see 5 thai,s on a scooter and that's ok but 1 farang without a helmet and gets a fine

[AustinRacing]

Government workers including police are lowly paid. This drives the urge to engage in corruption. Majority of Thais don’t pay tax so government revenue is low. So the root cause is the system of government. 

[Ombra]

I came to work in Thailand in the late 1980s. In those days, a person's baggage used to come by sea. When mine arrived, a bloke phoned to tell me. When I asked him how long it would take to clear the Customs, he said it would be anything from six days to six months. Depending ...

[Tropicalevo]

23 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

34 minutes ago, jwl53 said:

Not just phuket but where there is a foreigners

Waiting for traffic light surrounded by thais with no helmets, the cop signalled me out of about 50 bikes

The cop demanded 5000 I told him I want go police station to pay fine, he kicked and screamed I cannot got to pay him, until I rang my wife, first he refused to her demanding me to pay him eventually he spoke to her and after a few minutes off we went to the cop shop, (20 mtr away) after being made to wait and the descop refusing  to accept a complaint about the box cop the fine was paid receipt issued  FINE 400 baht!!!!! Ok I was in the wrong and accepted the fine but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is the answer, ask for the tickets and payment receipts.

 

They are getting greedy. It used to be 50 baht for no helmet and pulling over everyone in sight, the last week of each month.

I believe that it is 1,000 baht these days, and that is with an official receipt.

It increased last year (?)

[Ironmike]

I love how they used the word Allegedly there ain't no Allegations of corruption it's a fact you go to Chalong circle any day of the week and the coppers are pulling over only Farangs not one single Thai gets stopped,,I got stopped and I was wearing my helmut they told me I was not allowed to wear sunglasses and wanted 2000 baht with this I immediately got off my bike walked into the street and started to stop Thai people not wearing helmut,, the police <deleted>themselves but they let me go. 

Corruption is everywhere here but it's still a better way of living then being stopped by US coppers and paying $20,000 loosing your license and having to go to all the stupid <deleted> classes. 

[Toby1947]

Corruption control, needs to start with immigration and agents. Then from the top down. 

[ronster]

Probably been happening about the same length of time Sommai has been on this earth and will still be happening long after he has gone.

[renaissanc]

You have to pay a lot of money to be transferred to a government department in Phuket, especially to the Police. You pay a lot, but you'll make a big profit through corruption. This is common knowledge.

[phil2407]

It’s built into Thai DNA -  corruption when they get so far in life whether it be the police, government, officials etc 

[eddie61]

Has he ever visited Pattaya? Has he ever surveyed farang motorcyclists?

 

[Flemo]

The last person to realize lol

[steven100]

 '  an extortion racket in Thailand  ' 

 

Well I never would have thought   !!   such an honest place ....   

[zaZa9]

I live in Phuket. Fines have defintely skyrocketed in price , Im told no IDP/Thai license is now 1-2000 bt , no helmet 500-1000 with receipt. These  were once 300bt and are the real earners , its rare to see Police chase down the puffed up meat heads and north Africans screaming thru the villiages. Having said that , I live in Kamala wherein , due to the efforts of one very honest snr cop , proper policing often takes place. The local police are pleasant and politely direct. Pity they arent about at 5pm high season....my experiences in Kamala.. 18 years ago I went DUI , "fine" was 20k no receipt , paid 17k. One time was stopped at roadblock , no helmet , 300 with receipt. Ran an orange and was chased down recently , apologised , license showed local address , let go. Im rarely stopped at roadblocks , but Chalong is the only place I know has a very bad reputation and anything can happen.

 

 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Former finance minister Sommai Phasee has made explosive claims about corrupt police practices in Phuket, suggesting tourists are being extorted for bribes. According to Sommai, officers are reportedly stopping foreign visitors—particularly those on motorcycles—for minor violations and demanding on-the-spot payments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht to avoid arrest.

What's new, except the rather higher price?

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

How can Thai tourism thrive when corruption is so deeply rooted in the system?"

A bit like going to a national park and finding out you have to pay 10x the local price... as I found out once at Erewan waterfalls.

Never returned so they lost out in the long run.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The RTP is the most incompetent institution in Thailand....Too lazy to do anything, corrupt, and no clue what the real laws are

Some might actually call them smart?

[KireB]

In live in Phuket and get stopped  daily. No problem as my car and bike are insured, I wear a helmet and have valid licenses. 

 

Why do tourists feel it's ok to break the rules. Everyday I witness idiots doing the most dangerous shenanigans on their rented bikes. Want a 300 cc Forza?  No problem. Patong Hill, big problem.

 

Fine their eyeballs out! Phuket must offer better public transportation, however.

 

 

[Sydebolle]

Can't be true as corruption, like gambling, drugs and prostitution are prohibited in Thailand and hence not existing. Everything else would put Phuket, and for that matter most of the rest of the country, into a bad light and taint the pristine image 😉 

 

[bluemoon58]

Well, what a shocker! 🙄 Who'da thunk it! 🤔