Thai policeman sacked, accused of framing and extorting Canadian
Suspects had tried to lure a language teacher with a promise of sex to plant drugs on him
By Gary Boyle
A traffic policeman based at Bangkok’s Lumpini station has been dismissed from the force and faces “drastic action” for allegedly trying to extort a Canadian national by placing drugs in his possession.
Pol Maj Gen Mongkhol Warunno, chief of the Metropolitan Police Division 5, signed the order dismissing Pol Snr Sgt Maj Cherdchai Phuchuaytuam on Monday.
Pol Snr Sgt Maj Cherchai, 46, of Lumpini police station, and an alleged accomplice, Chakrit Teeluay, 37, were arrested at a room on the sixth floor of The Blue Apartment on Soi Sribampen in Sathon district, on Monday for extortion.
Arresting officers also seized 0.5 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, a pistol and seven bullets found in their possession.
Urine tests showed positive for illicit drug use, according to Tourist Police Bureau deputy commander Surachet Hakphan, who led the operation.