Pathum thani: Eight police officers were taken into custody and brought before the court for detention. The Pathum Thani police chief has ordered the dismissal of eight police officers from service in a case involving a raid and extortion. He is urgently gathering additional evidence, even though the suspects continue to deny the charges.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapol Chotikasetthian, Commander of the Pathum Thani Provincial Police, revealed the progress in the case of a group of men dressed as police officers who raided the victim's house in the Thanyaburi Police Station area, before threatening and demanding property, specifically a gold necklace weighing 2 baht, valued at approximately 150,000 baht.
It was stated that investigators have now charged the suspects with offenses including malfeasance in office, extortion, and unlawful detention. Civilian suspects will be prosecuted as accomplices to the crimes committed by state officials, and also with charges of extortion and unlawful detention.
The commander of the Pathum Thani Provincial Police stated that all suspects have denied all charges. Therefore, officers are urgently gathering additional evidence, both witness statements and circumstantial evidence, to determine whether the actions taken were in accordance with the law. If further offenses are discovered, additional charges can be filed.
Regarding disciplinary measures, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapol confirmed that all eight police officers have been suspended from duty pending further investigation. He also stated that all suspects will be brought before the court for detention according to legal procedures, and affirmed that both disciplinary and criminal action will be taken decisively.
Regarding the victim's request to the Ministry of Justice for witness protection after a suspicious vehicle was seen circling their house following a police report, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapol stated that he had only recently received the information and would expedite the investigation. He also emphasized that the victim can contact him 24 hours a day if they feel unsafe.
The commander of the Pathum Thani Provincial Police immediately investigated this matter and brought in the investigative team to provide further clarification. They stated that yesterday, the investigative team contacted the victim by phone to inquire about the location where the gold was handed over, and the next location they wanted to investigate was where the victim was released. They learned that this location was in a nearby alley. They confirmed that the team that went in yesterday were police officers investigating this case.
Regarding the use of body cameras during duty, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapol stated that officers are normally required to record footage, but in this case, further investigation is underway. As for the extorted property, it has not yet been recovered as the suspect has not yet given a statement. However, the Commander of the Pathum Thani Provincial Police confirmed that the victim can still pursue civil claims in court.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapol also advised all officers that they must strictly perform their duties within the legal framework, as society is watching closely. He emphasized that this case serves as an important lesson, highlighting the need to urgently cultivate a sense of responsibility and reinforce stricter discipline in the workplace. Finally, with tears in his eyes, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peerapol stated that all the suspects had apologized and expressed remorse for bringing discredit to the police force, and also offered apologies to police officers nationwide.