Crime Ayutthaya Restaurant Faces Frequent Searches After Refusing Bribe

[webfact]

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

 

 

[JoePai]

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

[steven100]

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.

[ozz1]

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