27-2-2025 (BANGKOK) Law enforcement officials in Chonburi Province have stood their ground against armed military personnel attempting to secure the release of intoxicated servicemen involved in a traffic incident.
The incident unfolded on 27th February when Petty Officer 1st Class Kriangsak Taeklang, attached to the Royal Thai Navy’s Air Defence and Coastal Defence Command, crashed his white Toyota Vios into a civilian’s brown Honda City on Sukhumvit Road in Phlo Ta Luang Subdistrict. The collision caused significant damage to the right rear section of the civilian vehicle owned by a Ms Tharaya.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Phonchai Lueaphol of the Phlo Ta Luang Police Station responded to reports of the accident and upon arrival discovered Petty Officer Kriangsak in a visibly intoxicated state, accompanied by two fellow servicemen.
The situation escalated dramatically as police officers were escorting the inebriated naval officer to the station for alcohol testing. A pickup truck bearing “Sor. Ror. For” markings arrived at the scene with sirens blaring, carrying six soldiers armed with M16 rifles who attempted to take control of the situation.
Despite this show of force, police officers maintained their authority and proceeded to transport Petty Officer Kriangsak and his two companions to the police station for processing.
The confrontation continued at the Phlo Ta Luang Police Station, where military personnel carrying firearms positioned themselves outside the building, demanding that the detained servicemen be released into military custody for disciplinary action rather than face civilian legal consequences.
Police officials categorically refused this request, instead administering a breathalyser test to Petty Officer Kriangsak, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 167 milligrams percent—substantially exceeding legal limits. Based on these results, officers formally charged the naval officer with drunk driving.
Following standard protocol, Petty Officer Kriangsak was detained in a holding cell and is scheduled to appear before the Pattaya Provincial Court to face legal proceedings. Meanwhile, police authorities have instructed military commanders to recall and question the armed soldiers who attempted to intervene, with expectations that they will face internal disciplinary measures from their superiors.
