The Police spokesperson confirmed that the same officer at Muang Sam Sip Police Station demanded 300 baht fuel fees in two cases. The officer faces potential disciplinary and criminal charges for dereliction of duty and soliciting benefits. The Royal Thai Police emphasized that budget allocations adequately cover the fuel crisis and firmly denied any "masked" officials hoarding fuel. The Deputy Police Spokesperson stated that officers who fail in their duties should be removed, noting many juniors are eager to become police officers instead.
On 7 Apr 2026 GMT+7, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, Deputy Inspector General and spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, addressed complaints from villagers alleging that an investigator at Muang Sam Sip Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani Province demanded fuel money in exchange for traveling to investigate a theft incident in Muang Sam Sip District.This has becomea subject of criticism on social media, damaging the Royal Thai Police's reputation.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong affirmed that the National Police Chief has ordered policein the areato promptly investigate the facts. Preliminary findings show that a police lieutenant colonel, serving as an investigator, inappropriately demanded 300 baht as fuel money to visit the actual crime scene. The police station commander publicly acknowledged the inappropriateness and has formed a committee to investigate. The officer has been reassigned to assist at the Operations Center of Ubon Ratchathani City Police Station while the inquiry continues. If found guilty, disciplinary and criminal actions will follow.
Meanwhile, further investigation revealed that the same officer had also been complained about by villagers in Muang Sam Sip fordemanding fuel feesof 3,000 baht for traveling to obtain an arrest warrant in an online fraud case. Currently,the authorities arecontacting the victims. The Royal Thai Police affirmed that if formal complaints are filed, they will take action. The initial findings suggest violations under Section 157 for dereliction of duty andincludesoliciting benefits under Section 149.
The spokesperson emphasized that the Royal Thai Police has no policy of demanding fuel fees amid the expensive fuel crisis.This is because the Royal Thai Police has allocatedsufficient budgets tothe local areas. Recently, additional budget approvals were made during the crisis, despite some lower-ranking officers still lacking access. It is firmly stated that the Royal Thai Police does not have any “masked” individuals hoarding fuel. If any are found, legal action will be taken without exception.They also reaffirmed the focus on ensuring the safety of citizens' lives and property, especially regarding patrol systems
that usevehicles in eachpatrol cycle, maintaining 24-hour coverage to ensure public safetyand protectthe communityfrom emergencies and threats.
Regarding duties, police officers receive salaries and allowances, and serving the public is their responsibility; charging fees is not permitted. Additional budgets can be requested under official budget use regulations. It is assured that police vehicles will not be unable to operate due to lack of fuel.However, adjustments will be madeto operations and resource use efficiency, such as repositioning checkpoints suitably amid high fuel costs. When citizens report incidents, police must arrive at the scene within 5 to 15 minutes, maintaining patrol cyclesaround various points within24 hours atdifferent times and ensuringrapid response to incidents.
Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant General Chaitpojan Suwanrak, Director of the Personnel Office and Deputy Police Spokesperson, stated that if officers do not want to be police, that is acceptable, as many younger people aspire to become officers. He emphasized that those who become police must acceptthe conditions andserve the publicaccording to their duties.