High drama in Isaan: Man’s police assault claims don’t hold up
A Thai man accused police officers in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum of physically assaulting him during a visit to the police station to provide information about a drug suspect. The police, however, refuted the allegations, asserting their innocence and presenting clear evidence to support their defence.
The complainant, identified as Wiroj, filed a formal complaint on November 29 against officers from the Crime Suppression Division of Kaeng Khro Police Station, alleging physical assault on November 27. He reported suffering injuries across his body and claimed that police failed to take him to hospital for treatment.
Wiroj explained that he visited the station to report the identity of a drug suspect in his community. However, he alleged that a group of police officers assaulted him repeatedly, placed him in handcuffs, and continued the attack on the stairs outside the station.
According to Wiroj, the officers then dragged him along the road from the main station building to the office of the Crime Suppression Division for questioning.
He said he was interrogated for several hours before being charged with insulting a police officer in the execution of their duties. He was detained overnight at the station despite his injuries.
Security camera footage outside the station reportedly captured the incident, and Wiroj shared it as evidence of the alleged assault.
Long list of crimes
The Superintendent of Kaeng Khro Police Station, Nirun Kidbanjong, denied the accusations yesterday, December 3. While Nirun admitted that force was used on Wiroj, he insisted that the officers acted for legitimate reasons.
According to Nirun, Wiroj went to the home of a debtor to demand repayment and subsequently argued with the debtor’s relatives. Enraged, he then visited the police station to file a complaint, claiming his rival was involved in drug use.
Nirun alleged that Wiroj, who was intoxicated at the time, caused a disturbance at the station, irritating both police and other visitors. He reportedly threatened to shoot a relative of his debtor if police did not promptly arrest the person he accused.
Wiroj is said to have approached a police officer aggressively, using vulgar language and appearing as though he intended to attack. Nirun stated that the officer acted in self-defence and used necessary force to restrain Wiroj, emphasising that there was no intention to cause harm.
Nirun also explained that police permitted Wiroj to request bail but no relatives came forward to post it. Wiroj was fined 1,250 baht and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, though the penalty was postponed.
Additionally, Nirun disclosed that Wiroj were previously charged with drink-driving and was on probation. The recent charge could result in further penalties for breaching the terms of his probation. Wiroj was also arrested for drug use in October.
