2 fake police officers arrested for extorting Indian man of 5,000 baht
Police find fake IDs and uniforms used to deceive the victim in suspects' car
Police arrested two Thai men who posed as officers and extorted an Indian national of 5,000 baht in the central province of Sing Buri on Monday, June 9.
The victim, 53 year old Sanjay Siner, filed a complaint with Mueang Sing Buri Police Station on the same day, stating that two Thai men, claiming to be police officers, forced him into their vehicle and demanded 5,000 baht in cash.
The incident occurred on Sri Chamni Road near a municipal office in the Bang Pudsa sub-district of the Mueang district. After receiving the money, the suspects abandoned Siner by the roadside.
Officers reviewed CCTV footage from the area and identified the suspects’ vehicle, a black and grey Chevrolet Optra SUV. The footage showed Siner being forced into the car, confirming his account.
Police tracked the vehicle until yesterday, June 12, when they spotted it travelling along the Sing Buri–Chai Nat Road. Officers pursued and intercepted the car.
Inside were two Thai men: 48 year old Sirichai Khao-sa-ard and 49 year old Amnart Khamphon. A search revealed fake police uniforms and counterfeit police identification cards.
Both suspects confessed to extorting the Indian man. They told police they initially fled to the northern province of Nakhon Sawan but returned, believing the case was dropped.
A drug test returned positive results for both men. Police have not yet confirmed the specific legal penalties they will face.
Nonetheless, under Section 145 of the Criminal Law, the suspects may be charged with impersonating a government official or unlawfully performing official duties. This offence carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
They may also face charges under Section 313 for unlawful detention for ransom, which carries penalties including the death sentence, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for 15 to 20 years, and a fine of between 300,000 and 400,000 baht.
Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may follow if additional suspects are identified.
In a similar case in April, another Thai man was arrested in Bangkok after posing as a police officer and extorting money from migrant workers and their employers at Asiatique The Riverfront. He reportedly threatened them with legal action unless they complied with his demands.
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