Eighteen traffic police officers in Udon Thani are facing suspension due to allegations of accepting bribes for traffic tickets. This development arose after a video was shared on a popular Thai Facebook page, depicting officers providing motorists with a choice: pay on the spot or receive a ticket.
Public outcry ensued, with many criticising the practice. The incident occurred yesterday, December 22 on Mittraphap Road, as confirmed by Phattanawong Chanphon, superintendent of Mueang Udon Thani police. He stated that this was the first occurrence of such an issue during his 18-month tenure.
Phattanawong confirmed that disciplinary measures have been initiated against the 18 involved officers, resulting in their temporary suspension from duty.
He also mentioned plans to meet the provincial police chief today to assess and possibly revise traffic police protocols, particularly in preparation for the Seven Dangerous Days road safety campaign during the new year holiday.
Four main checkpoints are to be established in Udon Thani to ensure adherence to road safety laws. Phattanawong encouraged the public to report any suspicious or inappropriate behaviour by traffic officers, assuring that such concerns would be addressed transparently, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, concerns over corruption arose after a Bangkok traffic police officer was caught in a viral video instructing a motorist to pay a fine through the bank account of a tuk tuk driver.
The alleged misconduct came to light after a TikTok account, Talk with the Police, shared a video of the questionable incident at the end of November.
In other news, a police officer in Chon Buri has been dismissed following allegations of extorting 250,000 baht from a 70 year old woman in exchange for handling her online fraud case. The officer is now in custody, with bail opposed.
The officer, a sergeant major, is affiliated with the Saensuk Police Station in Chon Buri. Following an investigation led by the provincial police, it was confirmed that he had extorted money from the woman under false pretences.
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