Uproar after CCTV captures defence volunteer assaulting man in hospital

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Supervisor offers to take punishment on behalf of enraged subordinate

By Preewadi Wichaiprasit,
Jessada Chantharak
The Nation

 

 

A deputy district chief for security in Chon Buri’s Muang district admitted on August 28 that he was unable to stop his subordinate – a defence volunteer – from punching a street-racing suspect several times while he was receiving treatment at Burapha University Hospital on the night of August 18.

 

The volunteer was reportedly enraged by the fact that the suspect allegedly ran over fellow volunteer Kwanchai Changlek, 57, at a checkpoint in Tambon Saensuk earlier, deputy district chief Prakasit Seuksongkhram said.

 

Kwanchai sustained fractures in both his legs and a severe head injury. 

 

Apologising for his subordinate’s behaviour, Prakasit said he will take responsibility and accept disciplinary punishment. 

 

The assault, which had taken place behind the curtain around the patient’s bed, was captured on CCTV and leaked on Thai social media, causing an uproar. 

 

Chon Buri governor Pakarathorn Thienchai said he had heard about this case from the media, but had yet to receive an official report, so he will set up an investigation committee to look into what had triggered the assault, the culprit’s identity and why the supervisor did not stop the assault in time, so he can ensure justice to all sides. 

 

Earlier on August 28, Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Colonel Krissana Pattanacharoen told reporters that some police officers were at a hospital emergency ward, but had nothing to do with an assault on a traffic violator, which had been done by a person who was aiding the police. 

 

Krissana also confirmed that the Provincial Police Region 2 chief and Chon Buri police chief had already set up a fact-finding committee to uncover what had really happened. 

 

Although police officers were seen in the video clip, Krissana said they had been called to collect the traffic violator but were told to wait outside when the assault occurred, adding that the hospital can also file a complaint of trespassing.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30375516

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-08-28

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