Bangkok: One officer has been dismissed following the release of over 30 Chinese detainees in Tao, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to potential corruption within the Royal Thai Police. The deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police disclosed this information, emphasizing the misconduct of the officer who failed to return the detainees to the Immigration Bureau, an action deemed clearly improper. In response, the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police has initiated a nationwide review of the past decade to uncover any similar incidents.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Police became aware of a possible corruption network related to the release of a Chinese detainee as far back as January 2015. This investigation was prompted by a request from the Chinese Embassy concerning Mr. Ah Hang (Mr. Ma Guangsu), a Chinese national detained under unclear circumstances. The Bangkok Metropolitan Police promptly investigated, uncovering misconduct by five officers who failed to report the detainees' transfer to the Immigration Bureau. The officers are now facing prosecution, with their criminal case file submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for further examination in October 2015.
Disciplinary proceedings have commenced, with Police Lieutenant Chaiya being dismissed following a completed investigation. Disciplinary inquiries for the other officers are ongoing. The Commissioner General of Police has emphasized the importance of integrity and has ordered expedited nationwide investigations, decisive disciplinary actions, and criminal proceedings against those involved. The efforts are divided into five focus areas, including systemic corruption investigation, detainee control system review, and legal affairs evaluation.
Chinese authorities have also shown interest in the case, particularly regarding the extradition process of suspects like Mr. Ma Guangsu, who vanished after being taken for prosecution. The Royal Thai Police's investigation uncovered a pattern of bribery involving five officers who solicited payments from foreign detainees between 2021 and 2025. This resulted in the release of 131 detainees, with one officer involved in over 30 cases.
The investigation further revealed routine fraudulent practices by the officers, who manipulated the legal system to bring detainees to court under false pretenses, subsequently failing to return them to the Immigration Police. The Royal Thai Police are conducting an in-depth investigation into these activities, which include examining financial transactions and the involvement of claimants, lawyers, brokers, and officers.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, stated that an impartial investigation is crucial to determine whether these activities were intentional loopholes or criminal strategies. He assured that all findings would be scrutinized, and any wrongdoing resulting in the fabrication of evidence to prevent extradition would be addressed appropriately, ensuring fairness for all parties involved.