NewThailand’s junta arrests army general for Bangkok red-light district extortion
General arrested on suspicion of extortion in a notorious Bangkok red-light district, in a rare case of authorities prosecuting a member of the military.
A Thai army general has been arrested on suspicion of extortion in a notorious Bangkok red-light district, officials said on Thursday, in a rare case of authorities prosecuting a member of the military.
Major-General Jenronnarong Detwan, 56, was arrested by the military early on Wednesday at a hotel near the seedy Patpong area charged with extorting money from street vendors, the Defence Ministry said.
“He is the most senior member of the military ever arrested for extortion,” said the ministry’s Lieutenant Colonel Burin Tongprapai, who led the arrest.
Patpong is a strip of go-go bars catering mainly to foreigners attracted by Thailand’s huge sex industry.
The military, who took power in a May 22 coup, began investigating the general after complaints from street vendors who hawk everything from cut-price DVDs to counterfeit handbags and watches.
Jenronnarong has denied the charge.