Cops face massage parlour inquiry

Cops face massage parlour inquiry

Three senior city police officers are facing disciplinary action alleged links to two illegal massage parlours in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district.

Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Srivara Rangsipramanakul said Tuesday that an investigation panel has been set up to look into alleged whether three officers were involved in the operation of parlours on Phetkasem Road.

The three officers are Pol Col Anucha Ouamcharoen, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police  Division 5, Pol Col Boonsong Namkorn, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Division 9 and Pol Lt Col Chanathep Suankaew, inspector at the Tourism Police Division.

The MPB chief's move follows complaints by Pol Lt Col Pairoj Traitham, deputy suppression chief at Phetkasem police station, and a group of complainants using the name of "Phetkasem station police." They allege Pol Col Anucha and Pol Col Boonsong got involved in the operation of the Sabaidee 99 and Best Land massage parlours on Phetkasem Road. The influence of the two senior officers allowed the outlets to operate without fear of raids by local police.

The complaints prompted the MPB to order a raid that led to the arrest of Ms Sopa Meeyan, caretaker at Best Land, on Dec 27.

During the arrest, Pol Col Anucha and Pol Col Boonsong phoned Ms Sopa and asked to talk with the arresting officers. The two then requested the arrest team not take action against Best Land. Shortly after, Pol Lt Col Chanathep arrived and said he wanted to change Ms Sopa.  But the arresting officers turned down his request.

During interrogation, Ms Sopa told police that Pol Col Boonsong was a close friend of "Sia Song," operator of the parlour. The officer often introduced customers to use services there. 

Pol Col Anucha used to serve as chief of Phetkasem police station and established close ties with the parlour operator, while Pol Lt Col Anuthep supervised the parlour and was close to Pol Col Anucha, said the woman.

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