Probe into ‘extortion’ of Taiwan actress

Police have contacted a Taiwanese actress to obtain more information after she was reportedly extorted by police officers for more than 20,000 baht over the New Year period, Royal Thai Police (RTP) spokesman Pol Maj Gen Archayon Kraithong said yesterday.

The move was made in response to a report of extortion concerning the actress An Yu Qing, also known by her English name Charlene An, which was recently shared on the Facebook page named “Ni Hao Taiwan, Chan Ma Laew” (Hello Taiwan, I’m here).

The post claimed the actress was pressured by police to hand over 27,000 baht in exchange for being released in the wake of an unlawful charge being pressed against her related to a visa problem on Jan 4.

The story was reported in many media outlets, including in Taiwan.

Pol Maj Gen Archayon insisted if any police officers were found to have violated the law would face criminal charges if proven guilty.