BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched a coordinated operation on September 3 to dismantle a nationwide extortion network involving government officials and civilians who allegedly extorted money from truck operators. The operation targeted 11 locations across the country, resulting in the arrest of key suspects and the identification of over 30 victims, with total damages exceeding 120 million baht.
Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Secretary-General of the NACC, announced that the operation was carried out in collaboration with Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and other relevant authorities. Arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3 led to the apprehension of three main suspects in Ayutthaya, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.
The suspects include Noppadol, 57, the leader of the special task force; Anek, 59; and Thongchai, 38, a civilian who acted as a mediator between the extortionists and truck operators. They are charged with dereliction of duty, misconduct, and supporting public officials in committing or omitting to perform their duties improperly. Authorities also summoned Pratin, 39, the holder of a proxy account used to launder the extorted funds.
The investigation began after truck operators filed complaints alleging that officials from the Department of Highways, in collaboration with civilians, extorted money from operators of cranes and overweight trucks in 2023. The investigation revealed that these officials, who were part of the Vehicle Weight Control Division, exploited their authority to collect monthly protection fees from truck operators in exchange for not enforcing weight regulations. Thongchai facilitated the collection of these payments, threatening those who refused with strict enforcement actions that could severely impact their businesses.
The extortion scheme, which began in 2019-2020, has affected over 30 victims, resulting in losses exceeding 120 million baht, with monthly bribes amounting to over 1.4 million baht. The illicit funds were funneled through Pratin’s proxy account before being distributed among the officials involved.
Authorities have gathered extensive evidence, including testimonies from more than 30 witnesses, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants and the subsequent apprehension of the suspects in Chaiyaphum and Phetchabun. The investigation is ongoing, with searches being conducted at the suspects’ offices in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in and Wang Noi districts to gather further evidence and identify additional individuals connected to the extortion network. Legal proceedings against those involved will continue. (TNA)
