City thetsakit suspended for 'extorting' tourist

City thetsakit suspended for 'extorting' tourist

Pathumwan district suspended two thetsakit officials from duty on Friday for allegedly extorting money from a foreign tourist accused of littering Khlong Lot.

Assistant district chief Wicchapong Suwannamai signed an order suspending Pairote Tinno and Sa-ngop Homsombat from duty immediately.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is  investigating the two city council inspectors over claims they demanded money from a tourist at the canalside near Sanam Luang, deputy city clerk Jakkrapan Phiewngam said.

The action follows widespread condemnation of the two men after a video clip spread through social and mainstream media showing Mr Paitore allegedly demanding money from a tourist and claiming it was a fine for littering the canal.

He was surrounded by people who were nearby and quickly fled on his motorcycle. One of the people there took note of his name from his shirt badge before he sped off.

The image of a thesakit officer accused of demanding money from a tourist. (Photo from Austin Salayawat to Facebook/Clip Hot Khao Hit)

It was unclear when the incident occurred, but the BMA started looking into the case on Wednesday. The investigators also said that from footage from closed circuit cameras it appeared Mr Sa-ngop, a temporary thetsakit staff member, allegedly colluded with Mr Pairote.

The incident happened in Phra Nakhon district and was therefore outside the authority of the two city inspectors, who were assigned to Pathumwan.

The suspension order said the two men were relieved from duty for behaviour which could be damaging to City Hall.

The deputy city clerk said they will be promptly expelled from the BMA if the investigation finds them guilty.

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