Phuket MP seeks money trail probe over checkpoint extortion
A Phuket MP has urged investigators to trace bank transfers he says may be linked to alleged payments at a Thalang checkpoint, widening scrutiny of claims that Volunteer Defence Corps members demanded money from detainees in exchange for their release. Chalermpong Saengdee, the People’s Party MP for Phuket Constituency 2, said yesterday, September 20, that … The story Phuket MP seeks money trail…
Phuket's People's Party MP, Chalermpong Saengdee, is calling for a probe into possible bank transfers linked to allegations of checkpoint extortion. The MP uploaded images showing two transfers, 6,500 baht and 10,000 baht, with some personal details hidden. Allegations now include the possibility of money being sent to a "mule account" rather than being paid entirely in cash.
Chalermpong wants investigators to identify the account holder and determine whether the money was withdrawn or transferred elsewhere. He insists that the investigation should extend beyond the individuals allegedly demanding the payments and establish who benefited from them. The claims stem from complaints alleging that detainees at a drug-testing checkpoint in Thalang were asked to pay between 6,000 and 15,000 baht for their release.
The Interior Ministry and Phuket officials are already investigating these allegations. In one case, a person was fined 2,000 baht after being taken through court proceedings. The Thalang checkpoint team involved has been removed from operational duties while the inquiry continues.
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