Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Police have arrested two men accused of posing as police officers to extort money from foreign nationals in Phuket, claiming the funds were for border troops. The arrests followed complaints from residents and villa operators in the Rawai area, prompting an investigation by Chalong Police Station. Authorities said the case underscores ongoing efforts to protect tourists and residents from fraud and impersonation crimes.

 

The case emerged after reports that two individuals were approaching foreigners in Rawai and at private villas while wearing badges and falsely identifying themselves as police officers. According to Chalong Police, the suspects allegedly demanded money under the pretext that it would be donated to support soldiers stationed along Thailand’s borders. These incidents led officers to gather evidence and seek arrest warrants from the Phuket Provincial Court.

 

On 29 December 2025, the Phuket Provincial Court issued arrest warrants numbered 1210/2568 and 1211/2568 for the two suspects. They were identified as Mr Paripat and Mr Suriya by police. The warrants charged them with jointly attempting fraud by impersonating another person.

 

Following the issuance of the warrants, officers from Chalong Police Station coordinated with the Highway Police to track the suspects’ movements. Police surveillance led to the interception of the vehicle allegedly used in the offences. Both men were arrested without incident and taken into custody for legal proceedings.

 

Police said the suspects face prosecution under the law for attempted fraud involving false representation as police officers. Investigators have called on any members of the public or foreign nationals who may have been approached or suffered losses to file complaints at the police station in the area where the incident occurred. Authorities believe additional victims may come forward as awareness of the arrests spreads.

 

Matichon reported that Chalong Police also reiterated the Royal Thai Police’s “No Gift Policy,” emphasising that officers are prohibited from accepting gifts, donations, or any form of benefit in connection with their duties. The statement reaffirmed that legitimate police operations do not involve soliciting money from the public for any cause. The suspects remain in custody as the case proceeds through the justice system.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two men were arrested on 29 December 2025 for impersonating police to extort foreigners in Phuket.

• The suspects allegedly claimed the money was for border troops and face attempted fraud charges.

• Police urged victims to report incidents and reaffirmed the Royal Thai Police “No Gift Policy”.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-30

 

 

Cheeky bastards impersonating police officers, who do they think they are? 

Maybe they borrowed the police gear from real cops to extort victims with part of the proceeds handed back upon return of the gear.

It's nothing new, it's been going on for a long time, some years ago we had some knock on our door,

22 hours ago, ChipButty said:

Cheeky bastards impersonating police officers, who do they think they are? 

They sound like the real thing ....