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A traffic policeman has been dismissed after he was caught on camera taking bribes from motorists in Bang Na, deputy metropolitan police chief Anuchai Lekbamrung said on Tuesday.

Pol Maj Gen Anuchai said the man is Pol Snr Sgt Maj Niphon Sokhai.

In the four-minute video clip, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Niphon is seen under the Bearing skytrain station furtively taking bribes from motorists and bikers instead of issuing them tickets.

The video was uploaded to YouTube by "Ekkaphan Bas" who explained that the clip was recorded on Sunday. There were two policemen - one was waving at cars and motorcycles to get them to stop and the other was "looking to steal" their money.

The officer was also seen giving changes to some who gave them large banknotes



Here are some of the popular comments on the video on YouTube:

"Police should prevent motorists from violating traffic laws, not just wait for them to break the law first."

"Tickets cost about 400 to 1,000 baht but some of us earn 300 baht a day. This is why we've to give bribes. Don't blame us because this is how the society works."

"Police have the duty to protect the law and wrongdoers have no right to negotiate."

"If all officers stick to just issuing tickets (without exploiting people), people would be afraid of breaking the law."

"Some police are tempted to take bribes because their wives are playing illegal shares, their mothers are addicted to gambling and their children are playing online games."

bangkokpost.com/b...-dismissed