Phuket: "Worasit" is urgently investigating the Thalang border checkpoint case involving alleged bribery in exchange for releasing prisoners. Minister Worasit has urgently ordered an investigation into the alleged bribery at Thalang checkpoint in exchange for releasing a detainee. He has instructed the Phuket Governor to clarify the facts and report to the Ministry of Interior promptly. If wrongdoing is found, decisive action will be taken. The investigation will also be expanded to include complaints throughout the province.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, has instructed the Department of Provincial Administration and Phuket Province to expedite the investigation into allegations concerning the conduct of officers in Thalang District, Phuket. The allegations include claims of officers demanding money from detainees in exchange for their release. These allegations were reported and publicized on September 16, 2026. The investigation should cover the entire incident, the individuals involved, the officers' conduct, and all supporting evidence and information to obtain a clear and verifiable understanding of the facts.
Mr. Worasit also instructed the Governor of Phuket to expedite the clarification of the facts of the case and to promptly report the progress of the investigation to the Ministry of Interior so that the Ministry can closely monitor and oversee the operations in the area.
Mr. Worasit emphasized the crucial principle that allegations must be separated from facts, investigations must be conducted based on evidence, and fairness must be given to all parties. At the same time, once complaints are brought to public attention, the relevant agencies must promptly seek answers and not leave doubts unresolved for extended periods.
Initially, Thalang District has investigated the information regarding the conduct of the officials as reported in online media and has ordered the preparation of a factual report and the appointment of a fact-finding committee. The report must be submitted to the province by September 17, 2026. Mr. Worasit therefore instructed the province to expedite the investigation process and to report any progress to the Ministry of Interior as soon as possible so that the central government is aware of the facts and can continuously monitor the proceedings.
Furthermore, the Department of Provincial Administration and Phuket Province have been instructed to expand the investigation to include other similar complaints or leads in Phuket Province, not limited to the case currently in the news, in order to determine what other complaints are pending or what information requires further investigation, and to initiate the necessary procedures according to their authority.
Mr. Worasit emphasized that the main goal is to ensure the public receives answers based on facts, not on accusations. If wrongdoing is found, regardless of the official's rank, decisive legal and regulatory action must be taken. Conversely, if the investigation finds no wrongdoing, the facts must be disclosed to ensure fairness to the accused and build public trust in the administration's work.
"This matter needs clarification. Complaints must be investigated. The province must expedite the fact-finding process and report to the ministry promptly. If wrongdoing is found, decisive action must be taken, but everything must be based on facts and evidence, ensuring fairness to all parties," Mr. Worasit said.