Sadao: An investigation officer at Sadao Police Station in Songkhla Province has been arrested for allegedly extorting 20,000 baht from a Malaysian suspect. The officer, Pol. Lt. Col. Nanthakrit, was apprehended with 15,000 baht seized as evidence.

According to Thai News Agency, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Region 9 Provincial Police Investigation Division, and the Central Investigation Bureau, orchestrated the arrest. The charges against Pol. Lt. Col. Nanthakrit involve acting or neglecting to act in a manner that caused damage to another person or engaging in corrupt activities.

The investigation began after reports from NACC and PACC officers revealed that a police officer from Provincial Police Region 9 demanded money from Mr. Habib, a Malaysian national, who had been arrested on January 26 for possessing a firearm and ammunition without permission. Pol. Lt. Col. Nanthakrit, who handled the case, allegedly requested 20,000 baht from Mr. Habib, claiming it was a legal fee.

Mr. Habib’s wife exchanged Malaysian baht for Thai baht to bail him out, providing 80,000 baht, which included a 5,000 baht facilitation fee. After the request for additional money, Mr. Habib collected evidence and filed a complaint with local NACC officials. This led to a coordinated operation with the Provincial Police Region 9, resulting in the arrest at a Sadao coffee shop.

Pol. Lt. Col. Nanthakrit has been taken to the Sadao Police Station’s investigation officer for further legal proceedings.