A group of men allegedly posing as administrative officers have been accused of extorting 250,000 baht from a truck driver and his wife by claiming they found untaxed goods in their vehicle. An ongoing investigation seeks to determine if these men are indeed government officials.
The incident occurred yesterday, November 4, along Phahonyothin Road, inbound to Bangkok, in front of a petrol station near kilometre marker 66 in Lam Ta Sao, Wang Noi district, Ayutthaya province. The truck driver and his wife reported the extortion attempt, where the men demanded the money to avoid legal action.
The governor of Ayutthaya, Niwat Rungsakorn, refrained from commenting on whether the men involved are part of the provincial administrative staff. He stated that an investigation is underway to establish the truth and confirm whether any government officials were involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, at Wang Noi Police Station, Pla, the 49 year old manager of the transport company targeted in the extortion, met with Police Colonel Somjet Manbut. He provided evidence, including a money transfer slip, and filed a formal complaint against the individuals, accusing them of soliciting bribes and misconduct.
Pla recounted that on the day of the incident, his company’s truck driver contacted him to report that their truck had been stopped and searched. Initially, the driver assumed the men were police officers. However, after speaking to them, Pla realised they were posing as administrative officials.
They insisted on taking the truck to the Ayutthaya Government Centre to check for illegal or untaxed goods. Pla attempted to negotiate, emphasising the urgency of delivering the goods to avoid substantial penalties. Despite this, the men remained firm in their demand, claiming another truck had already paid 100,000 baht (US$2,960), but because Pla’s vehicle was a larger, 10-wheel truck, they demanded 250,000 baht (US$7,410).
Official extortion
Fearing delays and potential damage to his company’s reputation with clients, Pla agreed to pay the amount. The men provided a bank account number belonging to a woman for the transfer, after which the truck and its driver were allowed to proceed.
Pla, concerned about the contents of the truck as his company only transports goods for clients, decided to report the incident. He expressed his anxiety over the possibility of encountering similar situations in the future and urged the police to investigate thoroughly, reported KhaoSod.
Pol. Col. Somjet confirmed that the national police chief has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter, pledging to pursue justice against all involved, regardless of their official status.
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