National —
The Thai Royal Police is in hot water following allegations that some of its officers are extorting bribes from overloading trucks in exchange for turning a blind eye.
The allegation first came to light after MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the Move Forward Party alleged that some police officers in the Royal Thai Police were extorting bribes from truck drivers with overloaded cargo.
Those who paid the bribe would get a sticker with different designs based on how much money they paid in order to bypass the required weighing procedures at truck checkpoints whenever desired despite being illegally overloaded, Mr. Wiroj alleged.
The sticker designs varied from the sun, a rabbit, or even Jaian (a famous cartoon character in Doraemon). The designs also indicated the police officers who gave the stickers to truck drivers.
According to Mr. Wiroj, this practice has been ongoing for a significant period of time and could be estimated at over 10-20 billion baht per year. The amount of the bribery payment could reach up to 25,000 baht per month, according to him.
In response to the allegations, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas has ordered highway police responsible for weighing trucks to urgently investigate the matter.
Not only would the police would take action against the overloading drivers, they would also find the corrupt officers and punish them including expulsion from the force.
Gen. Damrongsak also stated the Royal Thai Police welcome any information regarding alleged bribery from the public.
Major General Ekkarat Limsangkat, the commander of the Highway Police Division, has been transferred to an inactive position within the Central Investigation Bureau.
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