The Acting Chief of Police has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that a police officer misappropriated funds during a mediation case. He emphasized that if the accusations are substantiated, disciplinary and criminal action will follow without any leniency, aiming to set a precedent that encourages good conduct among officers.
This directive comes following a complaint lodged by a 34-year-old woman, Ms. Wanishaa, who alleged that she was defrauded of 30,000 Baht by police from Samrong Tai Police Station when they failed to return money from a loan agreed upon in a mediation process concerning bounced checks.
On October 6, 2024, during a press conference, Acting Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpetch noted the seriousness of the situation and tasked Pol. Gen. Wichit Bunchinwutjakul, the provincial police chief, with conducting a thorough investigation. He reiterated the importance of integrity and public trust in law enforcement.
The woman reported that in 2021, she had a bounced check case worth 642,252.10 Baht and sought police assistance for resolution. The case had been progressing well until difficulties arose in July 2024 when the officer in charge stopped communicating with her, leading to concerns about an outstanding 30,000 Baht that had been deposited with the police.
Mr. Ekaphap Leungprasert, an advisor to the Ministry of Interior and founder of a support page for victims, reiterated that police should not be involved in handling such funds. He stressed that while the victim’s 10% commission was voluntary, it may point to misconduct on the officer’s part.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
