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A video capturing a police officer in Chiang Mai allegedly extorting money from a foreign motorcyclist has triggered an investigation into potential corruption. The incident occurred near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and was shared on Facebook by the page Guru Guroo Chiang Mai on September 25. The footage shows the officer in conversation with the motorcyclist, followed by an exchange where the officer appears to accept money, allowing the foreigner to leave without charges.

 

Locals have commented that such practices are common, claiming that officers set up random checkpoints near tourist areas to target foreigners unfamiliar with local traffic laws. Legally, fines should be processed at a police station with official receipts, suggesting misconduct since the officer is seen pocketing the cash. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over police conduct and accountability in tourist-heavy areas.

 

Jane Sopha, Director of the Traffic Department of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, confirmed that the officer has been suspended. An investigative committee will be formed to address the allegations thoroughly. Jane also advised the public to reserve judgment until the investigation concludes, and noted that the involved motorcyclist has not filed a formal complaint.

 

In a related incident, another officer in Chiang Mai was recently dismissed after demanding an illegal fine of 7,000 baht from an unspecified victim. The officer accused the man of carrying a weapon, initially demanding 20,000 baht, but settled for 7,000 baht. The victim's public complaint led to disciplinary action against the officer.

 

Looking ahead, the police in Chiang Mai are expected to face increased scrutiny. With public trust at stake, authorities may need to implement stricter oversight measures. This case could prompt further evaluations of policing methods, particularly in areas frequented by tourists, ensuring accountability and transparency.

 

 

Key Takeaways

• A Chiang Mai officer is under investigation for allegedly extorting money from a foreign tourist.
• An internal inquiry is underway, with the officer currently suspended.
• Previous allegations of police misconduct in the area further highlight systemic issues.

 

Related Stories:

Cannabis Seller Accuses Highway Police of Extortion

Thai Eatery Battles Extortion by Alleged Fake Officers

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-26

 

 

Nothing strange, happens everywhere

A simple misunderstanding? 

Happens all over, daily with tourists and foreigners as the main targets for such extorsions by the local Police. Who seems to care if foreigners are targetted as such in Thailand ? 

3 minutes ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Happens all over, daily with tourists and foreigners as the main targets for such extorsions by the local Police. Who seems to care if foreigners are targetted as such in Thailand ? 

Are you an undercover investigator.......?....🤭

6 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

has triggered an investigation into potential corruption.

Yep, potential was the key word. 😂😂

Normal situation...Police fine people without tickets... happened to me too several times... If you want a ticket you have to go to the station they tell you and pay a double amount or do it now directly without a ticket and have an advantage with less to pay and no time spending in the police station. An easy choice to make and a benefit for the policeman

The old 'backhander'. Nothing new. TIT.

19 hours ago, transam said:

Are you an undercover investigator.......?....🤭

You dont have to be undercover it happens daily all over, all you need to.be is observant and you will see it

Chiang Mai police set up in high-traffic locations and, IMO, do not seem to be selective regarding tourist or Thai.  I was stopped once for not having a helmet, the police wanted to know how much I liked by Triumph T-120.  No ticket, no fee.  
Another time I was stopped for no drivers license and paid a very modest fine, a the time I was stopped.  
When I drive my car past these stops I see lots of Thai people, not only tourists.  
If you don't like this, try the good 'ole USA -- where the tickets accumulate points and the risk of losing your license, increase your insurance premiums and cost a ton of money.  Better a couple hundred baht than the alternative.  I actually prefer this Thai police policy.  Equal opportunity enforcement -- and we all know to watch out at the end of each month 🙂

If the police in Thailand were paid a decent salary, such practices would not be necessary!

Why is this news?  Seriously?  This is how they roll here.

7 minutes ago, BerndD said:

If the police in Thailand were paid a decent salary, such practices would not be necessary!

This is a very valid point. 

Ah, yes "tea money". I suppose living in Chiang Mai for 14 years and driving the motorbike most days, combined with my age helps me. Approaching a 'check point, I flip up my visor and smile ... usually waved on through as I am recognized.

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Normal situation...Police fine people without tickets... happened to me too several times... If you want a ticket you have to go to the station they tell you and pay a double amount or do it now directly without a ticket and have an advantage with less to pay and no time spending in the police station. An easy choice to make and a benefit for the policeman

DOn't forget the sharing up the line

Talk about Emperors new clothes.

 

Not only do the authorities talk as though this is an isolated incident, they also expect the Thai public to believe that this isn’t everyday behaviour by the police, when it’s the Thai public that witness it!

 

In the words of the Marx bros, “ who you going to believe, me or your own eyes”

21 minutes ago, Kat Hao said:

Chiang Mai police set up in high-traffic locations and, IMO, do not seem to be selective regarding tourist or Thai.  I was stopped once for not having a helmet, the police wanted to know how much I liked by Triumph T-120.  No ticket, no fee.  
Another time I was stopped for no drivers license and paid a very modest fine, a the time I was stopped.  
When I drive my car past these stops I see lots of Thai people, not only tourists.  
If you don't like this, try the good 'ole USA -- where the tickets accumulate points and the risk of losing your license, increase your insurance premiums and cost a ton of money.  Better a couple hundred baht than the alternative.  I actually prefer this Thai police policy.  Equal opportunity enforcement -- and we all know to watch out at the end of each month 🙂

Doesn’t do much to reduce traffic accidents and injuries therefrom though, as there are unlicensed riders and riders without helmets

"potential corruption"? Who says ASEAN Now doesn't have a sense of humor?

Christmas approaching. Mia Noi getting restless. Been happening forever. Nothing to see here....move along farangs.🙃🙃

Public trust at stake? 

 

In the police! 

 

Oh my. 🙄

Assuming the foreigner committed a traffic offence, he always could have opted to get a ticket, waste time to travel to the police station, and probably paying a higher fine as what he got away with now.

 

Who is not to love this kind of corruption?

Sorry, but this doesn't look like a tourist on a rental bike at all. None of the usual stickers to see.
Looks like an expat who was going a not allowed shortcut or so, when caught by the officer asking for a "discount" so he didn't have to go to the policestation and pay the higher fine.
15 years living in Chiang Mai i never got "extorted" or treated unfriendly by any Thai police officer (not to mention the Aussie dickhead volunteer who was giving the hard cop in town !) nor do I know anyone who got ripped off.

Bizarre. Why they don't just come out and admit that they behave like franchisees and the public should not expect them to be honest. 

 

The RTP at it's inception seems to have been created with a status quo from the government. We will NOT pay you a living wage, but you have a franchise, and the limit of your income is based solely on your own creativity and initiative, and you will always be protected. Is that not the case? 

 

Are they out finding government officials who are engaged in drug trafficking or sex slavery? No. Why? Because those goons are protected. 

 

Are they patrolling the highways to find reckless drivers? No. Why? Because they do not care one iota about traffic safety. It is all lip service. 

11 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

Doesn’t do much to reduce traffic accidents and injuries therefrom though, as there are unlicensed riders and riders without helmets

Is police responsible if somebody is driving like a fool or the one behind the wheel ?

57 minutes ago, kwan said:

The old 'backhander'. Nothing new. TIT.

This is new. Its literally a backhander. They must learn this new technique at cop school; spin, grab, spin, pat.

 

Paying a higher salary would change nothing. Corruption is now built into the police DNA, unfortunately. 

Rumor has it the Thai Police have asked the UNESCO to include their behavior into their "Intangible Cultural Heritage" list...

So what was he fined for ? At least one will pay less than the official fine, unlike KOH CHANG Immigration asking 100b 'fee' for a 90 day report and 2,300b for an extension 

1 hour ago, Taboo2 said:

Why is this news?  Seriously? 

Because it is not usually caught on video, that's why.

1 hour ago, Wrwest said:

Ah, yes "tea money". I suppose living in Chiang Mai for 14 years and driving the motorbike most days, combined with my age helps me. Approaching a 'check point, I flip up my visor and smile ... usually waved on through as I am recognized.

$7000 Baht is NOT tea money in Au terms. That's about $350. That's multiple lobster material. In short that's a big bribe. Arrest him RTP. That won't happen.