Thailand deputy interior minister orders probe into alleged Thalang checkpoint extortion

Thailand’s deputy interior minister has ordered the Department of Provincial Administration and Phuket province to investigate allegations that officials at a checkpoint in Thalang demanded money from detainees in exchange for their release.

The allegations were reported publicly on 16 September 2026. The ministry said the investigation must examine the incident, the people involved, the officials’ conduct, evidence and other relevant information.

The Phuket governor has been instructed to clarify the facts and submit progress reports to the Interior Ministry as soon as possible. The ministry said allegations must be distinguished from established facts and that all parties must be treated fairly.

Thalang district officials have already reviewed information about the officers’ conduct circulated online. They have been ordered to prepare a factual report and a committee has been appointed to investigate the matter, with findings due to the province on 17 September 2026.

The ministry also directed the Department of Provincial Administration and Phuket province to review other complaints or leads involving similar conduct elsewhere in the province, rather than limiting the inquiry to the case currently in the news.

The deputy minister said that if wrongdoing is confirmed, action must be taken under the law and official regulations. If no wrongdoing is found, the facts should be disclosed to ensure fairness to those accused and maintain public confidence in the administration.