COVID-19 crimes in Thailand
Images adapted from: Nation Photo
Though the number of COVID-19 infections have been gradually declining, the number of crimes amid this outbreak seem to getting higher.
We’ve seen a robber posing as a doctor and fake test kits in Thailand over the past couple of days, and now we’ve got fake COVID-19 medical certificates in Bangkok too.
Fake medical certificates made for personal purposes
Bangkok Post reported a case on 13th April 2020 that police officers arrested Phitchayaphat Somsri, 24, at his residence in Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, for selling fake medical certificates.
Image credit: Nation Photo
The man was caught red-hand with a pile of evidence including fake stamps with names of private and public hospitals, over 95 fake medical certificates, a computer containing medical forms from over 65 hospitals, a mobile phone and two books containing Thailand Post’s EMS labels, said Tourist Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Chettha Komolwattana.
Examples of the fake medical certificates
Image credit: Nation Photo
Fake doctor certificates being produced for people to apply for sick leave or other personal purposes was brought up on social media a couple of days ago. After the police received reports of the problem, they got to work in finding the source.
Investigators have worked with Pol Maj Gen Torsak Sukwimol, deputy chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, to track down the Line chat user and the Facebook page that had been selling these medical certificates at ฿1,000 each. After the investigators got the court’s approval, they went down to Phitchayaphat’s place for an arrest.
During interrogation, Phitchayaphat confessed that he’s been selling fake medical certificates both in Thai and English for about one year, and gained ฿40-฿50k per month.
Investigators have handed over the case to Chok Chai police station for further legal action.
We can only hope that the rate of crime in Thailand will also decline soon.
Also read:
- People Are Pawning Even Mortar & Pestles Just To Get Some Cash Back During The COVID-19 Crisis
- Thai Man Turns Himself In At Police Station, Asks To Be Jailed Just To Get Food & Accommodation
- Man Arrested For Licking Fence Railing In Chiang Mai, Officers Disinfect Area For Residents’ Safety
- Robber Pretends To Be Doctor Providing “Free COVID-19 Tests”, Preys On Old Folks Alone At Home
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