Two high-school students, Potae and Garfield, assisted police in restraining a suspect on Nakhon Si Thammarat-Baan Song Road, sparking a debate on civilian involvement in police activities. The event was captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms, gaining both praise and concern from the public. While some commended the students' bravery, others questioned the appropriateness of their involvement given the potential risks.

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The incident occurred outside Chwang Rachdaphisek School, and the footage showed police struggling with a motorcyclist. As an officer motioned for assistance, Potae and Garfield intervened, believing police were requesting help. Despite their intentions, the scenario raised discussions about safety, as many argued that civilians, especially minors, should avoid engaging in police actions due to possible dangers like armed suspects.

Further interviews revealed the students hadn't considered the potential risks, such as the suspect possibly being armed, which was later confirmed when reports indicated he had a knife. Officials stated the motorcyclist wasn't under the influence and had no criminal history, leaving the reason for his detention unclear. As debates continue, the discussion focuses on civilian roles in policing and the safety measures that should be observed.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 22 May 2026

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Don't they teach the cops basic takedown and submission techniques? A couple of days of instruction plus field practice makes all of this tussling unnecessary. Do they carry batons?

It all shows the work of the RTP.. Unable to handle difficult situations. They are better in disturbing the traffic when schools end at 15.30. And if someone is arrested we have seen on TV many times they come with a about 10 officers and have large sticks to keep the suspect down. If civilians/students have to help with the arrest of 1 person it is just sad that these men are incapable to do their job

If police asks for help — it seemed like someone didn't wish to follow police-instructions — it's cool enough that the two students did so...👍

Obviously their Muay Thai training didn't help , useless similar to the UK police , now the poor boy has PTSD !!

18 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

Don't they teach the cops basic takedown and submission techniques? A couple of days of instruction plus field practice makes all of this tussling unnecessary. Do they carry batons?

They only have the special stick that western countries use for animals, they rarely have that with them too. Should give them tasers would be more fun videos. Vietnam they have battons that are half their size and they even throw with them or at bikes driving away. Nobody runs from them, they will beat the <deleted> out of you and torture you lol.

What do police in Phuket have ?

They are dealing with drunken drugged farang

The real problem of all issues rather than the duration of visa stamps. The lack of proper policing and governing.

1 hour ago, georgegeorgia said:

Obviously their Muay Thai training didn't help , useless similar to the UK police , now the poor boy has PTSD !!

How would you know about the UK. Have you ever been there?

1 hour ago, Spider5511 said:

The real problem of all issues rather than the duration of visa stamps. The lack of proper policing and governing.

How so? The scooter driver was a Thai national was he not? And why are you spawning a new user name again? Don't you have enough of them already?