Police misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

An incident at a beer garden during the Thao Suranari Victory Celebration in Nakhon Ratchasima Province turned violent, resulting in allegations of police misconduct. On the evening of April 2, a group of teenagers became embroiled in a brawl, which inadvertently implicated an innocent bystander.

A 20 year old man, Na (surname withheld), reported that he was struck in the face with the butt of a gun by an off-duty detective from the Lam Thamenchai Police Station, who mistakenly believed he was involved in the altercation. Na recounted that around 5pm, as he and his friends were enjoying the festivities, a fight broke out among another group of youths.

One of the individuals involved in the fight ran towards Na’s table, leading the police to pursue and confront them. Confusion ensued, and while trying to quell the situation, a police officer drew his weapon and struck Na and his friend, causing injuries including a fractured eye socket.

Na and his friends are now seeking justice, asserting their innocence, and expressing frustration over the wrongful accusation made by the police. Additionally, Kanthimas, the 44 year old mother of one of the youths, has vowed to take the matter to higher police, including the Provincial Police Region 3 commander and the National Police Office, if necessary, reported KhaoSod.

The police have responded to the allegations by pledging a fair and thorough investigation. The youths who claim to have been injured by the police will be invited to provide statements to ascertain the facts. The officers involved in the incident will be questioned, and if any individual is found to have instigated the brawl, legal proceedings will be initiated.

In related news, five Immigration Bureau police officers face 15 years in prison for kidnapping two Chinese men and a Thai interpreter in March last year for a ransom of 10 million baht. A Thai man who aided the corrupt police operation faces 10 years in prison.