Concerns over corruption arose after a Bangkok traffic police officer was caught in a viral video instructing a motorist to pay a fine through the bank account of a tuk tuk driver.
The alleged misconduct came to light after a TikTok account, Talk with the Police, shared a video of the questionable incident at the end of November. The caption accompanying the video read…
“New system: scan to pay via tuk tuk driver. Is this legal? This occurred at the Pratunam Intersection. Don’t think no one notices your actions. Stopping drivers and asking them to pay through a tuk tuk driver. What does this mean, sir?”
In the footage, the officer is seen stopping a white BMW sedan. After a brief conversation with the driver, the officer appears to involve a nearby tuk tuk driver. The tuk tuk driver then approaches the BMW with his mobile phone and hands it to the driver. Shortly afterwards, the BMW is allowed to continue on its way.
According to standard procedure, traffic police are required to issue a ticket detailing the violation and instruct motorists to either pay the fine in cash or settle it at the designated police station.
Motorists also have the option to pay online via the official website or applications such as the Khub Dee or Pao Tang (เป๋าตัง) applications, or by transferring the amount directly to an official Royal Thai Police bank account. Payment through a third party, such as a tuk tuk driver, is not part of the approved process.
Local confirms corruption
A local, identified as Chai, told Channel 3 that he was unsurprised by the incident, claiming that alleged corruption by traffic police in the area has been an open secret for years.
Chai noted that officers routinely manned the spot for over two decades, targeting drivers who unwittingly violate unclear traffic rules at the intersection.
“The vehicles they fine are those crossing the intersection, even though it’s now allowed. But they haven’t put up clear signs to inform drivers. It seems deliberate, to create opportunities for issuing fines”
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Phayathai Police Station. Superintendent Watcharawee Thammasaema informed the media that an investigation is underway.
Watcharawee stressed that motorists are not permitted to pay fines on the spot and must do so at the police station. He confirmed that the officer in the video was identified and temporarily removed from his post pending the outcome of the investigation.
The officer reportedly denied personally taking the fines. However, Superintendent Watcharawee has not yet explained why the payment was facilitated through the tuk tuk driver.
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