Villagers Accuse Bang Pu Police of Misconduct, Witness Intimidation
Residents of Om Thong Village in Samut Prakan have filed a complaint with Provincial Police Region 1 commander alleging that Bang Pu Police investigators improperly recommended non-prosecution for state officials accused of fraud and land rights violations. The Samut Prakan Provincial Prosecutor previously returned the case, stating the investigators lacked authority to make such a recommendation. Villagers also report witness intimidation and plan to request protection from the Department of Special Investigation.
On November 2, 2026, Ms. Surinya Saengrod, representative of the affected villagers, led residents from Om Thong Village, Bang Pu Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province, to submit a letter to Pol. Maj. Gen. Naradet Thiprak, Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, requesting to submit additional evidence and asking for an investigative committee to be formed regarding the case where Bang Pu Police Station investigative officers allegedly performed their duties improperly. Pol. Lt. Col. Angkana Sirikhanin, Superintendent of Division 1, Region 1 Police, received the petition.
Ms. Surinya revealed that the affected group had previously filed a complaint regarding a fraud case and the violation of residential building rights in a temple area in Bang Pu. It was found that Bang Pu Police investigative officers had concluded their inquiry with an opinion recommending non-prosecution for the accused and forwarded the case to the Samut Prakan Provincial Prosecutor's Office on June 22, 2026, despite knowing the accused were state officials, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Subsequently, the Samut Prakan Provincial Prosecutor returned the opinion because the investigative officers had no authority to recommend non-prosecution in the first place.
Ms. Surinya further stated that such conduct constitutes a cover-up, dereliction of duty, and an attempt to help the accused. She therefore urged the Region 1 Police Commander to take action. Today, the affected group came to follow up on the progress after having previously filed a complaint at the Police Complaint Center, aiming to expedite the outcome before the investigation deadline, as they need to gather all witnesses and evidence.
Regarding the submission and coordination with Provincial Police Region 1, the agency acknowledged the petition and pledged to expedite proceedings. The affected group emphasized the urgency and genuine distress of the villagers, requesting even faster action as many people are currently suffering.
Ms. Surinya added that relatives of the affected group have expressed concern about community committee members or village health volunteers infiltrating or behaving threateningly toward group members, possibly to lobby, intimidate, or create fear so members dare not pursue the case, and may even trick them into signing contracts or documents similar to what some victims have previously experienced.
She wants to convey through the media to those engaging in such behavior to stop immediately, as the case has entered the court process. If they do not cease, the affected group will take legal action against individuals who interfere with witnesses and will see them in court. They are also preparing to request witness protection from the DSI and relevant agencies.
