Ex cop denies extortion charges

BANGKOK, May 12 (TNA) - A former police officer, facing extortion charges, surrendered to police early Saturday in the case involving the Don Muang new market. Police Lieutenant Colonel Santhana Prayoonrat, an adviser to Don Mueang New Market denied police all charges and insisted that he would answer to the charges in the court only. It is expected that police would request the court for his detention on Sunday morning. The arrest came after the raids of police and officials from the Food and Drug Administration at Don Muang new market to crack down substandard and unlicensed cosmetics and food supplements last week. Meanwhile, about 30 per cent out of hundreds of shops at the market remain opened today as they sell only legalised merchandise. However, only a few customers come for shopping. (TNA)