Opened in the twilight of 2014, Chop Charoen quickly became a go-to for budget-conscious diners, thanks to its mouthwatering menu where each dish costs a mere 79 baht – a true gem for the frugal foodie. But this fairy tale took a dark twist when officers, often twenty strong at a time, began storming through its doors, supposedly searching for who knows what among the humble diningscape.
The catalyst for this bureaucratic blitzkrieg? An ominous phone call on the first day of February from a man claiming to be a police sergeant. His demands? A monthly “contribution” of 1,000 baht, plus a little something extra for what was cryptically called “the red box”. One can only speculate whether this would buy the diner a marked decrease in visits from flashlight-wielding officers or perhaps a spot in the annals of someone’s good books.
True to the grit and spirit one might expect from a plucky heroine, Ms. Nun resisted, opting instead to covertly record the conversation. Armed with this sonic proof, she and her partners decided that integrity should not have a price tag. “We run a legitimate business,” she asserted, eyes flashing with the spirit of someone who’s taken one too many hits of bureaucracy. Despite every license, from business to alcohol, gleaming proudly upon their walls, the nightmare commenced.
In the ensuing months, what used to be a peaceful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle became a scene out of a panic-inducing thriller. Customer IDs were scrutinized under the harsh beam of unwelcome torches. This conducted an exodus among patrons so swift and decisive that it rivaled any doomsday bunker rush. What had once been a buzzing diner was now at risk of hosting tumbleweeds during its peak hours.
Meanwhile, Phutthiphong Yimprasert, the savvy 33-year-old part-owner, launched his own investigation. Marching into the local police station, he presented the incriminating audio, hoping rationality would prevail in this topsy-turvy tale. To his dismay, the suspect was verified as a serving policeman. However, instead of discretion, a public relations circus ensued, only fueling the fire of public skepticism towards law enforcement’s actions.
This peculiar story has since prompted the local police superintendent to initiate an official investigation. Phutthiphong and Ms. Nun are not just waving flags of discontent but are demanding answers, prompting society at large to ponder, “Is this how power should manifest?” Their quest isn’t rooted in vengeance but anchored in justice, calling for introspection on whether extortion should exist as a modern-day relic of yore.
While the investigation unfurls with all the drama of a courtroom showdown, the Chop Charoen team endures the heartache of reduced sales, hoping their plight reaches a satisfying resolution. As they await justice, they’ve become unwitting torchbearers in a conversation about ethics in power, inspiring many to advocate for transparency and fairness, not only in Ayutthaya but across Thailand and beyond.
This situation is outrageous! Imagine being bullied for doing nothing wrong. The police should serve and protect, not extort.
I totally agree! It’s like they’ve forgotten what their job is supposed to be.
Exactly! And it’s scary to think this could be happening more than we know.
It’s probably more common than we think, corruption in law enforcement needs more oversight.
Definitely needs oversight, but good luck getting that! The system is rotten to the core.
Why only 1,000 baht? Feels like a small price for such harassment. Maybe the officer underestimated their resolve.
The amount might seem small, but it’s the principle of the thing. Paying would set a precedent.
True, I guess once you pay up, you’re on their list forever.
Plus, it’s not about the amount, it’s about having power over someone.
Bravo to Ms. Nun and her partner! More small businesses should stand up to these bullies.
Yes, but standing up is risky. They could face retaliation, even worse than before.
True, bravery comes with risks. But someone has to start the change.
The police should be ashamed. It’s 2025, yet corruption like this still exists.
Corruption has been around since ancient times. Unfortunately, it’s just evolving.
Stories like this make me second-guess visiting places with such blatant corruption.
It’s sad that businesses have to deal with this just to operate. No wonder some choose to go underground.
Going underground isn’t a real solution. It’ll only create more issues in the long run.
I hope this investigation actually results in change. Often these things just get swept under the rug.
The fact that this is causing a loss of business is tragic. We need to support ethical businesses somehow.
Thanks to Phutthiphong and Ms. Nun’s bravery, maybe the authorities will take this seriously.
I’ve been to Chop Charoen, it’s a good place. Really hope it survives this nightmare.
Me too! They deserve better than this. Let’s hope justice prevails.
What exactly is the ‘red box’? Sounds like something out of a spy novel.
Could be anything. Probably just a euphemism for bribery or extortion.
How can we help? Is there a petition or support group we can join to fight this?
Let’s hope Phutthiphong and Ms. Nun’s story lights a fire for justice across Thailand.
I’ve seen this kind of stuff over the decades, not just in Thailand. It’s a shame how slow change is.