A couple has sought witness protection after accusing a police officer on Koh Samui of demanding sex with the woman in return for the release of her husband on what he said was a trumped-up drug charge.
The couple, named only as Mr Chaiwat and Ms Suwanan, on Tuesday submitted a letter seeking justice and witness protection to the Justice Ministry, handing it to Prinwat Piampinwong, director of the ministry’s justice service centre.
Ms Suwanan said police on Koh Samui had arrested her husband on Aug 11 for possession of one methamphetamine pill. A member of the arresting team had demanded 50,000 baht from her in exchange for the release of her husband, but she had no money.
The same officer later called her into a darkened room and tried to persuade her to have sex with him in exchange for releasing her husband. She refused.
Mr Chaiwat said a man had earlier come to his shop to buy fighting fish. The customer handed over some money with one meth pill among the notes, saying he did not have enough cash with him. Mr Chaiwat said he refused to accept it, but the customer said he would come back later with the money and left the shop.
Shortly after, two police officers arrived at the shop in company with the customer. They said they were charging him with drug possession. However, they did not take him to the police station, but to another place.
The couple has filed a complaint with Koh Samui police accusing the officer of intimidation and improper conduct, Thai media reported.
Thai media also reported that Mr Chaiwat had later paid 2,000 baht to the officer and was released.
Reports said the woman had a recording of the accused officer asking her for sex in return for releasing her husband.
The couple also turned to the popular Facebook page Survive, Saimai Tongrod, for help.
Pol Maj Gen Sathit Phonphinit, chief of Surat Thani police, said a fact-finding panel had been set up to investigate the accused officer.