17-3-2024 (BANGKOK) The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters has launched an investigation following an incident believed to be a case of road rage, wherein a sailor brandishing a pistol approached a motorist.
According to Lt. Gen. Theerapong Patamasing na Ayutthaya, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, authorities have confirmed that the individual seen carrying a pistol in a video clip is indeed one of its personnel.
The footage depicts the military personnel, dressed in uniform and carrying a pistol in its case, confronting a pickup truck driver over his driving behaviour near a toll plaza. The truck driver recorded the encounter on his mobile phone as the sailor voiced his grievances before returning to his vehicle. During the altercation, the truck driver reminded the sailor of his status as a government employee, hinting at a future confrontation.
Following the incident, Gen. Songwit Noonpakdi, chief of the defence forces, was promptly informed and instructed the sailor’s unit to detain him for investigation. Disciplinary action will be taken accordingly once the investigation is complete, which will also address the legality of firearms possession and their public appearance. Lt. Gen. Theerapong assured that the investigation would be concluded within 48 hours, with the findings reported to the defence forces chief.
Later updates revealed that the sailor will undergo a 21-day detention and face penalties including the forfeiture of his pension for the 2024 fiscal year, revocation of his firearm possession license, and a 15-day disciplinary training programme.
