Phuket Lawmaker Demands Investigation Into Drug Checkpoint Money Trail
A Phuket lawmaker is demanding a full financial investigation into extortion allegations at a Thalang drug checkpoint, calling for authorities to trace where bribe payments ranging from 6,500 to 15,000 baht ended up rather than just identif
Chalermphong Saengdi, a Phuket parliamentarian from the Democratic Party representing District 2, has raised fresh questions about the financial trail connected to corruption allegations at a narcotics checkpoint in Thalang district. Following public complaints that officials extorted detainees for sums between 6,000 and 15,000 baht in exchange for release, Chalermphong has disclosed bank transfer records showing payments of 6,500 and 10,000 baht and called for a thorough financial investigation.
Chalermphong emphasized that investigators should not stop at identifying who received the money, but must determine into whose account the funds were transferred, who controlled those accounts, whether money was further transferred or withdrawn, and any connections to checkpoint staff or officials. He stressed that the critical question is not merely "who demanded payment" but "where did the money go and who benefited."
The Phuket governor previously ordered the replacement of the checkpoint unit and assigned a new team while the case remains under investigation. The Interior Ministry directed authorities to expedite fact-finding and take legal action if wrongdoing is confirmed. However, all allegations and financial details are still under investigation with no final conclusions yet on whether any official or individual committed the alleged offenses. Chalermphong has urged Phuket province, the Interior Ministry, and relevant agencies to accelerate the investigation, examine financial evidence thoroughly, and disclose findings to the public.
