THE Tourist Police Bureau officer and his civilian accomplice who were arrested in a sting operation while taking 100,000 baht bribe from an entertainment venue in Nonthaburi on Thursday night were released after submission of 1 million baht bail each last night, Matichon newspaper said today (July 9).
A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team from the Provincial Administration Department together with Bang Yai police station officers roped in the entertainment venue owner to call the extorting policeman to take 100,000 baht payoff.
The duo, Pol.Snr.Sgt.Maj. Phuwameth Hiranwongwaradol, head of a Tourist Police Bureau unit, and Mr. Manas Suksong, 46, a native of Suphan Buri province, were arrested at a parking lot in front of a department store. They had claimed to be from the SWAT unit.
Tourist Police head Pol. Lt. Gen. Sukhun Prommayon has set up a committee to investigate Pol.Snr.Sgt.Maj.Phuwameth for disciplinary action while also immediately suspending him from duty.
However at 11 p.m. last night Pol.Snr.Sgt.Maj. Phuwameth’s wife and Manas’ relatives came to Bang Yai police station and submitted 1 million baht bail each with the investigating officer then granting their temporary release.
Upon being released they were whisked off to waiting cars and drove off with reporters not allowed to take pictures.
CAPTION:
Pol.Snr.Sgt.Maj. Phuwameth Hiranwongwaradol being arrested, inset, and the Tourist Police sedan he used. Photo: Matichon
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