Impostor Police Officer Arrested for Extorting Migrant Workers in Bangkok
BANGKOK, Thailand – A Thai man impersonating a police officer has been arrested for extorting money from migrant workers and their employers at Asiatique The Riverfront, a popular tourist attraction in the Charoen Krung area.
The arrest followed complaints from local restaurant owners and business operators, who raised concerns with Wat Phraya Krai Police Station about frequent “inspections” targeting migrant workers, which eventually aroused suspicion.
According to the reports, the suspect frequently visited restaurants and businesses employing migrant workers, particularly those from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, demanding 5,000 baht from each individual under threat of arrest. In several cases, both workers and employers complied with the demands to avoid legal trouble.
The repetitive nature of these visits eventually led business owners to question the legitimacy of the man’s actions, prompting a formal inquiry. Upon investigation, police confirmed the suspect was not an officer, and he was subsequently apprehended.
Authorities are now working to determine the full extent of the scam and identify any possible accomplices. Migrant workers affected by the extortion are encouraged to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Police emphasized that any official inspection will always include proper identification and encouraged the public to report suspicious behavior immediately.
