Ubon Ratchathani – Two more victims have come forward, bringing the total to four, who were extorted for oil fees by investigators at Muang Sam Sip Police Station. The police chief is aware and has summoned them to file complaints to prosecute under Section 157 immediately without exception. Allegations include petty charges for documents and questions about victims’ occupations. Upon learning one sold beef, another officer was sent to collect 1 kilogram of beef directly from the victim's home.
The case involves villagers complaining that investigators at Muang Sam Sip Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani demanded oil fees in exchange for traveling to investigate a theft in Muang Sam Sip District. This issue has sparked widespread criticism on social media, damaging the reputation of the Royal Thai Police, as previously reported.
Latest update: On 8 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Col. Kanongrit Darach, chief of Muang Sam Sip Police Station, revealed that after an investigator under his command was reported for demanding oil fees, additional victims have come forward. These victims reported being asked for document fees and case withdrawal fees, adding two more cases, totaling four victims. The commander has ordered efforts to locate all victims to gather more information for prosecuting the involved investigator.
Reporters met Mrs. Ramphai (surname withheld), the third victim, who said the issue began when she was cheated out of over 200,000 baht by a sales agent from a well-known department store. When she pursued the matter with the company, she was told the agent had resigned and had not remitted the money, prompting her to file a complaint at Muang Sam Sip Police Station in March.
The complaint was received by the deputy police lieutenant implicated in the news. While recording the initial report, the officer demanded a 500 baht document fee. Mrs. Ramphai found this strange since she was the victim but paid the fee before leaving. The officer also remarked that if the case proceeded, the fee might be higher. Then he asked about her family's occupation; upon learning she sold beef, he requested 1 kilogram of beef and sent another officer to collect it from her home. She agreed without much thought, having heard such practices were common. She explained that if fees weren’t paid, cases wouldn’t proceed. Seeing other cases in the news, she wanted to confirm if it was the same officer—and it was. She does not intend to press charges but hopes the police will follow up on her case.
The fourth victim is a suspect wanted on an arrest warrant related to a vehicle finance case. An investigation found a negotiation to settle the matter with the finance company, where the suspect (the fourth victim) would pay off the debt and have the warrant withdrawn but had to pay a 10,000 baht processing fee. The victim recorded a video clip of this and submitted it to the media, as previously reported by some outlets.
Pol. Col. Kanongrit further revealed that initially, the deputy police lieutenant admitted the events matched the circulating video. However, detailed questioning has not yet occurred because the officer has been under significant stress since the first victim came forward. Authorities are currently gathering evidence to forward to higher command for further action.