Three men extorting illegal parking fees from Walking Street tourists were interviewed by Pattaya Tourist Police, but released with a warning.
Phrai Munkhung, from City Hall, called Tourist Police and reporters after receiving a complaint that three Thai men were demanding 20 baht fees to park motorbikes near the former pier at the opening of Walking Street. Parking in that area is free.
The issue became inflamed when one of the men reportedly grabbed and threatened a foreign tourist who refused to pay.
Tourist police responded to the scene, interviewing and photographing the suspects: Bunrit Chomthaworn, Anek Chimsa and Pongsak Ukraihongsa. They were given a warning and released.
Bunrit Chomthaworn, Anek Chimsa and Pongsak Ukraihongsa were held for allegedly grabbing and threatening a foreign tourist who refused to pay for parking in a free parking area.
Phrai said he received a mysterious call from someone who claimed the three suspects were employees and asked to meet with the official. Phrai went to the meeting, but did not meet the caller, saying he planned to talk with a city deputy mayor the next day.
