PHUKET: A man has been arrested and charged with corruption after taking ''marked'' money from stallholders in one of Phuket's most popular pirate goods markets.
The man, Saichon Chotdee, was arrested about 9pm on Monday and unexpectedly bailed from Chalong Police Station in Phuket's south about 1.30am on Tuesday.
Khun Saichon was arrested after collecting money from stallholders at Karon Plaza. Rumbles about corrupt extortion at the plaza continue.
Stallholders recently staged a protest at Phuket City Police headquarters about the cash they were being forced to pay.
When asked to investigate, the Phuket Damrongtam complaints office suggested that people selling illegal copy goods might have difficulty making a legitimate claim to being treated dishonestly.
Latest twist in the saga came this week when Naree Durmnum and her Nepalese husband called the local Karon village headman, Winai Chitchiew.
When Khun Saichon collected the monthly 1500 baht in protection money - recently reduced from 2000 baht a month for the low season - Khun Winai was able to produce copies of the notes to prove the money was given to the man by Khun Naree.
About 10 other stallholders also identified Khun Saichon as the man who collected cash from them each month as protection money. It is not known on whose behalf Khun Saichon was collecting the money.
Phuket's Police Commander, Major General Pekad Tantipong, has warned the Karon copy goods sellers that he is under orders to end the sale of pirate goods on Phuket.
The man, Saichon Chotdee, was arrested about 9pm on Monday and unexpectedly bailed from Chalong Police Station in Phuket's south about 1.30am on Tuesday.
Khun Saichon was arrested after collecting money from stallholders at Karon Plaza. Rumbles about corrupt extortion at the plaza continue.
Stallholders recently staged a protest at Phuket City Police headquarters about the cash they were being forced to pay.
When asked to investigate, the Phuket Damrongtam complaints office suggested that people selling illegal copy goods might have difficulty making a legitimate claim to being treated dishonestly.
Latest twist in the saga came this week when Naree Durmnum and her Nepalese husband called the local Karon village headman, Winai Chitchiew.
When Khun Saichon collected the monthly 1500 baht in protection money - recently reduced from 2000 baht a month for the low season - Khun Winai was able to produce copies of the notes to prove the money was given to the man by Khun Naree.
About 10 other stallholders also identified Khun Saichon as the man who collected cash from them each month as protection money. It is not known on whose behalf Khun Saichon was collecting the money.
Phuket's Police Commander, Major General Pekad Tantipong, has warned the Karon copy goods sellers that he is under orders to end the sale of pirate goods on Phuket.
Kudos to Kata/Karon Kamnan Winai Chitchiew to stand up for the local shop owners/traders. Known im for 8 years, and he never fears the organised guys. Is there Kamnan election soon? Hope all know who to vote for
Posted by katabeachbum on August 17, 2011 16:48