16 minutes ago, cynic1 said:

$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.

Looks like the driving straight across night market street from Loi Krow scam, been going for years.

1 hour ago, 0815 said:

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

No. The police are responsible for enforcing the law in order to discourage such behaviour.

It’s kind of what most developed countries do, if you haven’t noticed.

9 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

No. The police are responsible for enforcing the law in order to discourage such behaviour.

It’s kind of what most developed countries do, if you haven’t noticed.

Thailand is more like Africa ........

Well; he should have tried the old  'Do you know who i am ?'.  Works for anyone driving a Benz !

Its not even laughable, everyone knows this is a common practice, police & reporters included so why bother. The mentality is exasperating!!

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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.

 

No!!! Say it ain't so.  Really?

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

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. 

No, it is because the local police stations are not provided with enough equipment (vehicles and fuel) and budget. 

Everyone has a smartphone, well almost everyone, I am surprised there aren't more of these stories were cops get caught in corruption?

2 hours ago, BerndD said:

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

Like the customs officers who had their salaries increased for just that reason...and then continued on exactly the same as before?

3 hours ago, BerndD said:

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

That is a very naive suggestion.

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo via Facebook/ กูรูเชียงใหม่ เรื่องเชียงใหม่กูรู้

 

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

 

 

Not extortion at all! Beats going to a crappy police station and paying more! He got a discount, fantastic! Best police service ever! 

Good for the environment- less paperwork and save a tree.  

3 hours ago, BerndD said:

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

Greed doesn‘t know any limit …

3 hours ago, BerndD said:

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

Wrong way of thinking !!!, Politicians get paid more than a very, very decent salary with many freebees, and still there are corrupt politicians !!

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A video capturing a police officer in Chiang Mai allegedly extorting money from a foreign motorcyclist has triggered an investigation into potential corruption.

It's a daily occurrence... 

Perhaps the policeman accidently dropped some cash on the ground inadvertently and was asking passing motorists if they had seen it. Perhaps the motorcyclist said no, but let me help you out anyway :)  

what is disturbing is the actual reporting, which seems to imply this is something new or unusual.

There have been videos of this throughout Thailand for decades, and the final slap in the face is that obviously nothing has ever been done about it.

A few years ago a survey found that 60% of Thai people think that this sort of corruption is acceptable, as it "oils the wheels of bureaucracy"—which just about demonstrates the Catch-22effect of this sort of thing.

Nothing new in the LoS as most know, and probably have been involved in personally. My question is why guru decided to post it on Mugbook?, especially as it happens regularly on daily basis. Maybe had a bit of previous with the cop and set him up for some revenge.

What’s partly disturbing here is the reporting itself, which frames this as something new or unusual—when in fact, it has been part of Thai society for decades. Countless videos over the years have shown the same thing happening across the country, yet nothing meaningful has ever been done about it.
A survey a few years ago even found that around 60% of Thai people consider this type of corruption “acceptable,” since it supposedly oils the wheels of bureaucracy. That alone shows the Catch-22: if corruption is normalized, there’s no incentive to fix the system.
When it comes to road safety, effective legal enforcement is essential. Instead, we have untrained officers with little sense of duty and a legal system that operates like it’s still in the 19th century. Cases drag on for months or years, so the “solution” becomes instant justice on the roadside, with police acting as judge and jury. The motorist pays up, the inconvenience is minimal, and the deeper issues—road safety, accountability, thousands of deaths and injuries every year—remain ignored. The bureaucracy is protected, but the public continues to pay the price.
 

Win win ...you pay a lesser sum or if you value your so called principles..then take the trouble to the police station and pay a higher amount...it happens in most countries...

RTP daily business.....

10 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

 

A few years ago, we had a "helmet" check, and my mate got pulled in.

 

"But why are there 2 queues?" he enquired of one of the BIB.  "Ah, one's the 500 baht queue, the other's the 300 baht queue" he was told.

 

The rest is self explanatory - just see the post I am replying to! 

9 hours ago, kwan said:

The old 'backhander'. Nothing new. TIT.

Ahem!

I'll be leaving you now sir.🫲

6 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Well; he should have tried the old  'Do you know who i am ?'.  Works for anyone driving a Benz !

A scooter is not as impressive as a Mercedes Benz.

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Looks like the driving straight across night market street from Loi Krow scam, been going for years.

Yes.  The same officer has been working that spot literally for years.   I have often wondered how much and who he pays for the privledge.  

The best thing is to negociate with the cop as you would in a market. You will get a better price than in the police office. Since you will have to pay in any case this is the best option. And let those more Catholic than the Pope not start accusing me of promoting and pushing for illicit acts. It simply is the reality

If you say I will pay the official fine, does the Cop need to go back to the police station with you? Or does he just issue you a ticket and you pay at the station?

7 hours ago, chuang said:

Win win ...you pay a lesser sum or if you value your so called principles..then take the trouble to the police station and pay a higher amount...it happens in most countries...

And the result is road safety is not improved, and motorists can continue to disregard highway laws.

6 minutes ago, BexMan said:

If you say I will pay the official fine, does the Cop need to go back to the police station with you? Or does he just issue you a ticket and you pay at the station?

 

 

There are still a few cops who will pocket the cash and set you on your way. Some give a receipt of some kind which either disappears or you can hand to the next checkpoint, who will let you off the same offence.

 

Official hecks on police issued fimnes and where they go seem almost umheard of.

 

2 hours ago, vangrop said:

The best thing is to negociate with the cop as you would in a market. You will get a better price than in the police office. Since you will have to pay in any case this is the best option. And let those more Catholic than the Pope not start accusing me of promoting and pushing for illicit acts. It simply is the reality

 

I've had a few wonderful negotiations over the years – unfortunately, many foreigners couldn't negotiate their way out of a wet bag and just end up losing their temper or suggesting they are superior because they know the law in their home country and wonder why they have to pay more at the station.

 

As my Thai improved over the years, I paid less and less – these days I haven't paid anything for years - also it helps to have connections.