UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand – Police in Ubon Ratchathani are expanding an investigation into a senior officer accused of extorting money and goods from complainants, after two additional victims came forward, bringing the total to four.
Pol. Col. Khanongrit Darat, superintendent of Muang Sam Sip Police Station, said the case initially involved allegations that a subordinate investigator had demanded money under the pretext of fuel expenses. However, new complaints have since emerged, including claims of fees for document processing and case withdrawals.
One of the latest victims, identified as Rampai, said she filed a fraud complaint in March after losing more than 200,000 baht to a sales agent. During the process at Muang Sam Sip Police Station, a lieutenant colonel—now at the center of the investigation—allegedly requested a 500-baht “document fee” while recording her statement.
She said the officer then asked about her occupation. Upon learning she sold beef, he reportedly requested one kilogram of meat and later sent another officer to collect it from her home.
Rampai decided to speak out after seeing media reports about similar behavior, which led her to believe the same officer was involved.
Another complainant, who had been facing an arrest warrant related to a car financing dispute, alleged that the officer demanded 10,000 baht to help negotiate a settlement. The individual recorded a video of the interaction and shared it with local media.
Authorities confirmed that the accused officer has admitted that the actions shown in the circulating video are accurate, though a full interrogation has not yet been conducted. Officials say the officer is currently under significant stress, and investigators are proceeding cautiously while gathering evidence.
Police are now working to locate and interview all victims to build a comprehensive case before forwarding the findings to higher authorities for further disciplinary and legal action. (TNA)
