9-12-2024 (BANGKOK) In a significant development that has sparked public outrage, seven traffic police officers have been temporarily relieved of their duties following accusations of physically assaulting an innocent motorist in a case of mistaken identity, officials confirmed yesterday.
The suspension order, signed by Traffic Police Commissioner Police Major General Surachet Bandit, comes in response to a controversial incident that unfolded on Wednesday along Prasert Manukit Road in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
According to police reports, the officers mistakenly identified the victim’s vehicle as one that had earlier evaded a police checkpoint. The ensuing confrontation resulted in the physical assault of the motorist, who later lodged a formal complaint at Bang Khen Police Station.
The incident has garnered significant media attention and public scrutiny, prompting senior police officials to take swift action. A special investigative committee has been established to probe the matter thoroughly, particularly focusing on the officers’ alleged dereliction of duty and use of excessive force.
“The reputation of the Royal Thai Police is at stake, and we are treating this matter with utmost seriousness,” a senior police official told our correspondent, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly on the ongoing investigation.
The suspended officers retain their right to appeal the decision under the provisions of the National Police Act BE 2565 (2022). However, they will remain off duty until the investigation reaches its conclusion.
