A restaurant owner in Ubon Ratchathani province has filed a formal complaint after alleging that a group of individuals impersonating undercover police officers extorted money from his establishment. The incident, which has alarmed local businesses, took place in the early hours of August 18 and has raised questions about accountability and public safety.
According to reports, the restaurant, located in Mueang district, was approached by five men who claimed to be part of the investigation team from the Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station. The group confronted staff at around 2 a.m., accusing the establishment of operating beyond legal hours and selling alcohol after the permitted time.
The restaurant’s owner, Kritwit, 35, was not present during the encounter. Instead, the group targeted his employee, Siwakorn, who was overseeing the premises at the time. Although the restaurant was technically closed, a few regular patrons remained inside. One of the men, identified as “Jay,” accused the restaurant of violating alcohol laws and threatened severe penalties unless a cash payment was made.
The men allegedly demanded 20,000 baht (approximately US$615) in exchange for dropping the matter. They warned that failure to comply would result in legal action and the possible closure of the restaurant. Siwakorn was then taken to what was described as an investigation room at the police station, where he was pressured into withdrawing the demanded sum. Jay reportedly justified the extortion by claiming it was an order from his superior, framing it as an informal settlement to “avoid further trouble.”
As a result of the incident, the restaurant suffered financial losses and reputational damage. Outraged by the scheme, Kritwit later reported the case to Police Lieutenant Phakaphong Sueksakul, Deputy Inspector of Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station. He demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable for impersonating police officers and extorting money under false pretenses.
Local authorities have since acknowledged receipt of the complaint and are expected to investigate the matter further. If confirmed, the individuals involved could face multiple charges, including extortion, fraud, and impersonating law enforcement officials.
Cases of police impersonation have long been a concern in Thailand, particularly in provincial areas where residents and business owners may be less inclined to challenge supposed authority figures. The incident in Ubon Ratchathani has reignited public discussion on the need for stronger measures to verify the legitimacy of officials and ensure that citizens can safely question suspicious actions.
Community members have expressed their support for the restaurant owner’s decision to speak out, emphasizing that silence in such cases only enables corruption and criminal activity. “This is not just about one restaurant—it affects trust in the entire system,” one local resident told reporters.
As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against those who exploit fear and authority for personal gain. For Kritwit, the hope is that justice will be served and that businesses in Ubon Ratchathani can continue to operate without intimidation.
