Phuket probes report of fake checkpoint near PSU campus
Authorities are investigating allegations that two men in black planted drugs and demanded money at an unauthorised checkpoint behind Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus.
Phuket authorities are investigating an online report that two men allegedly set up an unauthorised checkpoint behind Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus on 24 October, planted drugs and demanded money in exchange for avoiding arrest.
Wichit police said the men were not officers attached to Wichit Police Station. The report described approximately two people wearing black clothing and travelling in a black pickup truck fitted with a siren. Police are trying to identify and locate them for legal action, according to the station's clarification.
The Phuket provincial administration also checked whether administrative officials or members of the Volunteer Defence Corps had operated a checkpoint at the site. Mueang Phuket district, Kathu district and the provincial administration's security affairs group all reported that no checkpoint or roadblock had been set up there and that no officials had been assigned to operate one.
The province has instructed its administrative offices to follow checkpoint procedures strictly, including reporting the date, time and location before an operation and submitting a report afterwards. Officials were also told to closely supervise personnel's discipline, uniforms, language used with the public, searches, arrests and other enforcement duties.
The provincial administration said complaints about demands for money or other misconduct must be investigated promptly. The Phuket governor said the province was committed to transparent and accountable public services and urged people with information to contact the Phuket Damrongtham Centre on 1567, 076-213203 or 092-423-5556.
