Social media uproar over 1,500 baht police fee for minor accident
A car owner faced an unexpected fee after reporting a minor accident at a police station, sparking a social media debate on the legitimacy of the charge.
Yesterday, September 1, a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared a complaint from a follower regarding an incident where their car was rear-ended. The damage was minor, so they drove to the police station to file a report.
However, upon trying to leave, they were unexpectedly asked to pay 1,500 baht for a vehicle inspection. The receipt provided was a cash bill similar to those used in shops or restaurants, not an official document from the Royal Thai Police.
The page shared a photo of the receipt and questioned its legitimacy, asking if it was appropriate for the police to charge this fee. The post quickly gained traction, prompting numerous comments from netizens who were equally puzzled by the situation. Many questioned whether police officers have the authority to conduct vehicle inspections and whether the fee was justified.
Another user commented on the post, explaining that normally, vehicle inspections are conducted when a vehicle is to be released from police custody or returned to its owner while a case is still unresolved. They noted that such inspections are typically only necessary when the damage is severe and requires towing. In cases of minor damage, taking photos should suffice as evidence for the case file.
The controversy has led to widespread discussion about the practices and accountability of the police in such situations. Many netizens expressed disbelief, questioning the propriety of using a commercial receipt for police services. The incident raised concerns about transparency and the proper conduct of police officers, especially in handling minor accidents.
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or clarify the legitimacy of the fee and the receipt provided. As the debate continues online, many are calling for a thorough investigation and clearer guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
