Crime Drunk, Abusive Police Sergeant Suspended After Assaulting Traffic Officer in Chiang Mai

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A police officer in Chiang Mai has been suspended from service pending a disciplinary investigation, after a shocking incident in which he was caught on camera drunkenly assaulting a fellow traffic police officer.

 

The incident, which took place on 27 May at approximately 11:00 at the Ton Pao Phatthana intersection in San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, involved Police Sergeant Major Sirawat (also known as Bantat), attached to the Special Operations Division of the Region 5 Provincial Police.

 

According to the official order No. 204/2568 issued by the Region 5 Investigation Division, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Sirawat was found to be heavily intoxicated while driving, resulting in a minor collision with another vehicle. When officers from San Kamphaeng Police Station arrived to investigate, he allegedly exited his vehicle and began hurling obscenities at the traffic police officers, challenged their authority, and escalated matters by physically assaulting one of them causing injury.

 

A viral video of the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the public, prompting swift action from police leadership.

 

In response to the misconduct, the Region 5 commander launched a formal disciplinary inquiry under Order No. 203/2568 and moved to temporarily remove Sirawat from duty, citing serious disciplinary violations. The order stated that his actions severely tarnished the image of the Royal Thai Police and compromised public trust in law enforcement.

 

The decision to suspend him is grounded in the Royal Thai Police Regulations on Disciplinary Action and Suspension (B.E. 2547), specifically Clause 3(1), which permits removal from office when an officer is under investigation for criminal or serious disciplinary offences, particularly where their continued presence could damage the integrity of the force.

 

Officials noted that Sirawat’s position entrusted him with maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety, responsibilities he is now accused of flagrantly violating.

 

Under the authority granted by Sections 105, 131, and 179 of the National Police Act B.E. 2564, and Clause 8 of the relevant disciplinary regulations, the order concluded that Pol. Sgt. Maj. Sirawat is to be suspended from the Royal Thai Police, pending the outcome of a full disciplinary review.

 

The order takes effect immediately.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-31.