Picture courtesy of Daily News

A restaurant manager in Ayutthaya claims a man posing as a police officer demanded a monthly bribe of 1,000 baht, leading to intensified searches when refused.

 

On 6th May, a mysterious caller identifying himself as a police superintendent allegedly demanded monthly payments from "Chobcharoen", a restaurant in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, to avoid official inspections. When refused, multiple agencies reportedly began frequent checks, unsettling customers and impacting sales.

 

Ms. Noon, a 33-year-old partner and manager, stated that since its opening in December, the restaurant operated legally with the necessary licences. However, in February, a man called, claiming to be a superintendent, requesting 1,000 baht monthly plus an additional 500 baht for a "red box" fee to prevent frequent checks.

 

The caller implicated high-ranking provincial officials and police units, prompting Ms. Noon to record the conversation and consult her partners.

 

Rejecting the demand, the restaurant faced increased surprise visits, particularly during March and April, with up to 20 officers arriving at once, causing fear among diners.

 

Owner Putthipong Yimprasert, also 33, sought verification at the local police station, confirming the caller was a bona fide officer. Consequently, a formal investigation was initiated.

 

He expressed frustration at how complaints seemed to escalate the number of inspections, which they were told were for publicity, yet deterred customers.

 

The restaurant owner shared the recording not to antagonise authorities but to question the misuse of power and seek a fair investigation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-05-06

 

 

Full marks to the restaurant owner but can they not find out who it was from the recording ?

40 minutes ago, webfact said:

to question the misuse of power and seek a fair investigation.

 

misuse of power     surely not in honest Thailand.  

 

they are all rotten to the core in my book.

We all know that that's what happens in Thailand will ever stop I don't think so

It is all known that every restaurant/bar or entertainment venue has to pay to the police... Happily this restaurant won't do it and now he can bring it in the news how rotten the whole society is  by corruption.. Sorry for all the trouble for him but people should get a wake up call like this

13 hours ago, JoePai said:

can they not find out who it was from the recording ?

 

They submitted the recording to the officer that called them. 

a routine friendly (corrupt) behavior of authorities... I sympathize with the restaurant owner to come out in public and tell the truth... but I am sure they will be forced to shut down the restaurant in near future soon... 

no outrage... ? 

 

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It is all known that every restaurant/bar or entertainment venue has to pay to the police... Happily this restaurant won't do it and now he can bring it in the news how rotten the whole society is  by corruption.. Sorry for all the trouble for him but people should get a wake up call like this

Indeed, every establishment should get together and tell the police to go whistle..

Another corrupt story involving the people who take a oath to serve the public but instead terrorise them for money 

23 hours ago, steven100 said:

 

misuse of power     surely not in honest Thailand.  

 

they are all rotten to the core in my book.

Do you like anyone?

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Do you like anyone?

I like my beer & pizza.   Don't you think the cops here aren't rotten.  When I was mid twenties, a wealthy old guy gave the best advice I could ever have,  he said young man, if you want to be rich.. don't trust anyone and don't like too many.    He was correct, now I'm am well off because of that. 

Just now, steven100 said:

I like my beer & pizza.   Don't you think the cops here aren't rotten.  When I was mid twenties, a wealthy old guy gave the best advice I could ever have,  he said young man, if you want to be rich.. don't trust anyone and don't like too many.    He was correct, now I'm am well off because of that. 

I know there is bad and good everywhere.

The article title is wrong, it's not a bribe, it's blackmail.

Not all are corrupt but many are. We have a cafe and have police as customers ever week. They pay their bill, never ask for anything nor cause any issues. Other city officials from various departments also visit and we have never had any issue.

 

I think its smart to video or record encounters like this and get the info on to social media as that seems to be the most effective way to get the situation looked at. It comes with other difficulties granted but unless people stand up to the corruption it wont stop.  Thats one of the difficulties with Thais, most just go along with it as it's been happening for so long and they feel it wont change so just comply which just gives the green light to continue it.

On 5/6/2025 at 8:53 AM, JoePai said:

Full marks to the restaurant owner but can they not find out who it was from the recording ?

They can trace the call using the number the caller used. Nowadays every sim card must prove ID to use the sim. So, it is easier for police to trace this if they so choose to do it. 

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

The article title is wrong, it's not a bribe, it's blackmail.

IT is maffia business 🙂 protection money

On 5/6/2025 at 8:53 AM, JoePai said:

Full marks to the restaurant owner but can they not find out who it was from the recording ?

Should have agreed to pay then videoed the pay off

all too common - most likely a competitor who has sway with the authorities - they will use govt machinery to shut you down ..happens all over the country...and dont forget mostly they have 2 year postings which also encourages authority figures to take a short term view .fill your pockets and then move on..to the dentriment of a free and open  fair society .

4 hours ago, steven100 said:

I like my beer & pizza.   Don't you think the cops here aren't rotten.  When I was mid twenties, a wealthy old guy gave the best advice I could ever have,  he said young man, if you want to be rich.. don't trust anyone and don't like too many.    He was correct, now I'm am well off because of that. 

 

it's lonely at the top

Well I give a lot of credit to the restaurant owner for refusing to give in to morally degrading practices, but I would go a step further and see if I could personally figure out ways to teach the freak to behave himself. 

It's not going to change anything here In Thailand 

Corruption is part of life  here and paying off police ect

Is not going to change 😱

Corruption in Thailand will never stop and the owners of these restaurant are very brave I’d be very worried I got a restaurant suddenly burning down they may have to hire somebody to stay there 24 seven to make sure there won’t be any mishaps TIT

1 hour ago, Sparkling said:

 

it's lonely at the top

no it's not ...  we go out for lunch or dinner every few days.

it's great   !!

 

 

 

I pray to God/ Buddha .. ,whatever you believe in, and most importantly I believe in Karma. That whatever you believe  prey this restaurant  makes a profitable long future. They deserve it standing up to the RTP. As for the corrupt cops I hope when they die they become  cockroaches in their next life so the restaurant can exterminate them as per health regulations to keep the kitchen hygienic and free from RTP evil diseases. 

On 5/7/2025 at 11:12 AM, factual monk said:

a routine friendly (corrupt) behavior of authorities... I sympathize with the restaurant owner to come out in public and tell the truth... but I am sure they will be forced to shut down the restaurant in near future soon... 

no outrage... ? 

 

Yes I would say that he might soon get a message suggesting that he close down and keep his mouth shut in future or are booking would be made for him at tha Bangkok Hilton.