The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Saturday arrested a man accused of posing as a police officer, and his suspected accomplice, for allegedly extorting money from motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok.
CSD deputy commander Phanthana Nuchanart said Puthiseth Soysuwan, 40, of Bangkok, and Nattaya Klinkprathum, 25, a Ratchaburi resident, were apprehended in Bang Khen district on Saturday night.
The arrests were carried out after a complaint was lodged against the pair by a group of motorcycle taxi drivers who operate in front of the Esplanade shopping mall on Ratchadaphisek Road in Din Daeng district.
The motorcyclists told authorities Mr Puthiseth had claimed he was a CSD inspector called Sarawat Jo and told them each to pay him 3,950 baht per month.
According to the motorcyclists, Mr Puthiseth said the money covered their parking fees as well as water and electricity bills for the shopping mall.
The rest of the money would be paid to police and soldiers supervising the area. Those who refused to follow his order would not be allowed to operate in the area, they said.
However, Mr Puthiseth told officers he had been assigned by the landowner, Ratchada Square Ltd, to collect rental fees. He added the motorcyclists mistook him for a police officer and nicknamed him Sarawat Jo. He insisted he did not pretend to be a police officer.
Pol Col Phanthana said investigators were not convinced by the suspect's account because he was unable to present any evidence that the firm hired him to collect the money.
Mr Puthiseth and Ms Nattaya were initially charged with extortion, he said.