A senior Bangkok district official caught with an envelope containing 3.2 million baht in cash has denied it was a bribe.

Pramual Saengkaewsri, 57, head of the Ratchathewi district office revenue section, was arrested in the car park of a hotel in Phaya Thai on Tuesday.

He was charged with demanding or receiving a bribe.

Police alleged that Mr Pramual had contacted a real estate company about the payment of building and land tax totalling about 40 million baht. Allegedly, if the firm agreed to pay him 3 million baht, he would help it avoid the tax.

Mr Pramual then increased the amount to 3.5 million baht. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to 3.2 million baht.

The company management thought he was acting inappropriately, preferred to pay the building and land tax legally, and reported him, police said.

Police planned a sting operation. A company representative would deliver the 3.2 million baht to Mr Pramual at a hotel car park in Phaya Thai area.

Police saw Mr Pramual arrive driving an official car. An envelope containing the money was handed over, and police then arrested him.

Mr Pramual said he did not know the envelope contained money. He said he thought it was only a document.