5-12-2023 (BANGKOK) National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol has initiated a fact-finding inquiry into a video featuring a Chinese tourist donning the upper part of a Thai police uniform, while an individual resembling a genuine police officer assists by opening a car door. The investigation will focus on uncovering the video’s origin, its context, and the identities of those wearing the police uniform.
Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Achayon Kraithong stated on Tuesday that the findings from the inquiry, including whether the foreign tourist will be called for an interview, are expected soon. Subsequent actions will be determined based on established facts.
“Let’s wait for the fact-finding probe before we decide if there is a breach of the law or regulations. The police chief has ordered an inquiry into the clip,” said Pol Lt Gen Achayon Kraithong.
Responding to concerns about the video’s impact on the image of Thai police, Kraithong advised tourists against wearing official uniforms or requesting police assistance in driving, as it could potentially violate the law.
Pol Maj Gen Somporn Sajjapoj, deputy commander of the Police Education Bureau, reported that the initial investigation identified the person in the video as a police officer affiliated with Central Police Tactical Training. During questioning, the officer admitted to being in the video with his Chinese friend, who wore the police uniform inside the car.
The video, shared on Facebook by a user named Luijeen with 1.4 million followers, raised questions about the appropriateness of such behavior. Luijeen referred to a previous controversy involving a Chinese tourist who claimed to have received unauthorized VVIP service from Thai police earlier this year. In that incident, four policemen were investigated after the tourist posted videos on a Chinese social media platform, alleging expedited immigration processing and a police motorcycle escort to her hotel in Pattaya.
The ongoing investigation reflects the Thai police’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of their image and ensuring that official uniforms are not misused for inappropriate purposes.
