Rayong police chief reassigned amid karaoke bribery investigation

Police Colonel Nawin Sinthurat, chief of the Pluak Daeng Police Station in Rayong, has been reassigned to the Rayong Provincial Police Operations Centre following raids on four unlicensed karaoke venues. The reassignment, ordered by Provincial Police Commander Major General Pramote Ngampradit, was intended to facilitate an investigation into potential misconduct and protect the reputation of the Royal Thai Police. The order did not formally establish that Sinthurat committed any wrongdoing.

The raids, conducted under ‘Operation Secret Room’ by the Deputy Interior Minister and provincial administration officials, targeted KTV venues primarily serving Chinese customers. Investigators found that none of the four establishments held required entertainment licenses, and evidence suggested prostitution-related activities at two of the locations.

Allegations have surfaced claiming that venue operators paid monthly protection money to government officials. In response, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Lieutenant General Nopphasin Poolsawat has launched a separate 15-day investigation to determine if immigration officers were receiving monthly payments of 10,000 baht. Investigators are currently reviewing financial records and CCTV footage.