Beware of police impostors – Police Chief

PHUKET CITY: Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Decha Budnampeth yesterday warned people to be on the lookout for gangsters impersonating police officers.

“Many rubber plantation owners have complained that thieves are disguising themselves as police, and even carrying pistols, in order to demand money from their Burmese laborers,” Gen Decha said.

“Most cases reported have been from labor camps in Thalang. The thieves wait until the owner pays the workers, and then turn up and demand money from them. They threaten to arrest the workers if they don’t pay.”

Gen Decha said that two men – Jirasak Ponthong, 27, and Chakapong Krilad, 26, both from Phang Nga Province – were arrested at Panlan Restaurant on Srisoonthorn Rd on April 16 after they claimed to be police officers.

After eating and drinking plenty at the restaurant, the two men refused to pay the bill and told the restaurant owner that they were police officers. However, the owner of the restaurant did not believe them, and called the police.

The men, who were actually Community Police volunteers and dressed in their uniforms, were charged with possessing unlicensed firearms, carrying firearms in a public place and possessing unregistered walkie-talkies, Gen Decha explained.

Both men were also charged with impersonating police officers, and were taken to Phuket Provincial Prison to await their appearance in court.

Gen Decha added, “I suggest that the Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) change the color or style of the Community Police uniform because it is too similar to the uniform worn by Royal Thai Police officers.”