Former Minister Reveals Alleged Phuket Police Extortion Racket

[trainman34014]

He better start wearing a bullet proof Jacket as there is no room for honesty in a Country rotten from top to bottom with Corruption !

[HammerGuy]

15 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. 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

As long as I've got a hole in my àrse corruption will forever be rampant in the 'Land of scams'....🙏🏽

[BusyB]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

suggesting tourists are being extorted for bribes.

 

NO! Really?!

[AustinRacing]

10 hours ago, watchcat said:

 And they have paid rather big money to get their emploiment and this is a big part of the corruption.

Yeah that too. Need to recoup the money they’d borrowed from a friend for this purpose. 

[Gknrd]

I still get a chuckle when I think about Pattaya. Was driving down the highway about 5 KM from there. There were two policemen pulling over cars and  getting 200 baht. Both were drunk as a skunk. Looked like they had been on a 3 day bender. The Thai drivers were driving by, some just slowing down and handing a hundred or two out the window... Hahahaha.  

The funniest thing I had ever seen, 

This was about 10-12 years ago.

[Old Farang]

On 3/17/2025 at 2:14 AM, 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

 

 

 

[Old Farang]

It seems that everyone in Thailand knows of Police corruption, but the government, the corrupt system has to end