PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya police have launched an urgent fact-finding investigation after Kuwaiti tourists claimed they were repeatedly stopped by uniformed officers and asked to pay questionable traffic fines during their holiday in the city. The tourists, aged around 20–30, previously told reporters they had accepted responsibility for traffic violations but became suspicious after receiving fine slips they questioned as official documents. They provided video recordings and receipts as evidence of their claims.
Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Katchamat, Deputy Superintendent of Crime Prevention and Suppression at Pattaya Police Station, said on July 15 that police commanders in Chonburi and Pattaya had ordered an immediate investigation committee to examine the allegations. He said he had been appointed chairman of the committee and that officers would work to establish the facts as quickly as possible.
As an initial measure, the officer seen in the video has been temporarily assigned to the Pattaya Police Station service centre while the investigation is underway. Police stressed that no conclusion had been reached regarding any wrongdoing, as investigators still need to obtain statements from the Kuwaiti tourists regarding the locations, payment methods and details of the alleged incidents.
Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat said that if officers are found to have committed misconduct, disciplinary and criminal action will be taken without exception.
Regarding the receipts shown by the tourists, he said an initial check confirmed they were not official receipts issued by Pattaya Police Station. However, investigators still need further information from the tourists about who issued the documents and how they were obtained.
Police said the speed of the investigation would depend on arranging interviews with the tourists. Once statements are provided, officers are ready to continue the examination immediately.
Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat encouraged any tourists who believe they have been treated unfairly or taken advantage of, whether involving police officers or others, to report the matter directly to Pattaya Police Station or call the Chonburi Provincial Police hotline 112, available 24 hours a day.
He said Pattaya police remain committed to fairness, transparency and protecting confidence among visitors to the city.
