Burmese Worker Alleges Extortion by Men Claiming to Be Police in Nakhon Pathom

Picture courtesy of SiamRath

A 30-year-old Burmese national, identified only as Mr. Ong, has lodged a complaint to the media, on 31 July, alleging that he was extorted by a group of men claiming to be police officers in Nakhon Pathom province.

The incident reportedly took place on 22 July, after Mr. Ong had returned from work and was drinking beer near the entrance of his housing estate, outside a shop known as “Je Daeng’s”. A neighbour, referred to as Mr. Tor, who lives in the adjacent rented unit, called him and asked him to come over with a bottle of liquor.

While drinking together, Mr. Tor allegedly produced a small packet of unidentified substances from his pocket and began to smoke it, offering Mr. Ong a puff. Mr. Ong claimed he was told it was a harmless herbal smoke to help him relax.

Soon after, two men entered the room, identifying themselves as police officers from the Sinsomboon Market outpost on Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road. The men allegedly apprehended both Mr. Ong and Mr. Tor and escorted them to the local police post.

Once there, Mr. Ong said he was handcuffed to a chair while the men left the room with Mr. Tor. Upon their return, they reportedly threatened Mr. Ong with prison unless he could come up with bail money. He explained he had no money, to which one of the men allegedly demanded he call relatives to raise the amount. Mr. Ong said he managed to gather 5,000 baht from friends and family, which he transferred to a Bangkok Bank account in the name of a man identified as Mr. Chatchawan.

According to Mr. Ong, a second man claiming to be a police officer later demanded the remaining 25,000 baht. Mr. Ong said he begged for leniency, but was instead told to persuade Mr. Tor to loan him the rest. This, too, failed. Despite that and with the initial 5,000 baht already transferred, he was released just before midnight.

He reported that no arrest record was made, no photographs were taken, and there was no formal documentation of the alleged offence. Fearing further trouble, Mr. Ong tried to find the remaining funds but was unsuccessful due to financial hardship.

Mr. Ong said he decided to approach reporters at the Phokaew Police Station in a plea for justice, stating he had no other recourse or support.

Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the complaint.

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-08-01