Ubon ratchathani: Four more victims have come forward, alleging similar requests for fuel compensation from a police lieutenant colonel. Police reiterate that this is illegal and they will not protect anyone involved.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, addressed the progress in the case of a police investigator at Muang Sam Sip Police Station who allegedly demanded fuel money. He stated that the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police Commander has reported that initial investigations reveal several complaints against the aforementioned police officer, a Police Lieutenant Colonel, for similar misconduct. Initially, there are four cases, and the police are in the process of contacting the complainants to meet with the victims. However, the officer in question has been transferred to the Ubon Ratchathani City Police Station operations center, detached from his original unit, to facilitate the investigation.
A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police stated that these four cases share similar characteristics, differing only in wording. The nature of the request for money from complainants, as reported in the news, relates to the officers' work. Police General Kittiratt Phanphet, the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, has clearly emphasized that such actions are unacceptable. Investigation, suppression, and administering justice are the duties of police officers; they receive salaries and allowances. Soliciting money from the public is inappropriate, wrong, and illegal.
"Police officers already have oil. This is a violation of laws and regulations; it's an individual matter, a personal issue. As for the Royal Thai Police, if such actions are found, the Commissioner General has instructed decisive action. He has also given instructions and policy directives to commanders at every level to exercise discretion in this matter. If wrongdoing is discovered, there will be no protection."
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong said that there has been an increase in the amount of oil available due to the oil crisis in the Middle East. The Commissioner General of Police understands the procurement issues and has therefore instructed the Deputy Commissioners General responsible for this area to allocate additional budget.
When asked by reporters what message he would like to convey to police officers who use official vehicles for purposes other than official duties, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong said that using official vehicles for unrelated duties is unacceptable. He urged commanders to strictly adhere to regulations and laws in performing official duties.