Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma affirmed that the matter is being taken seriously and has ordered local commanders to urgently investigate and promptly report the facts. The issue concerns a clip allegedly showing a governor instructing police to emphasize warnings and service at checkpoints, which has sparked widespread social media criticism.
On 1 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma, acting as director of the Center for Road Accident Prevention and Reduction during the 2026 New Year Festival, disclosed that reports were received about social media content involving a high-level official outside the Royal Thai Police criticizing police officers performing their duties at checkpoints established to prevent and reduce accidents during the New Year festival.
In this case, the Royal Thai Police stressed that they are not complacent. They have instructed the provincial commanders to urgently investigate and promptly report the facts to allow the matter to be forwarded to the relevant authorities of the official involved for appropriate action.
The public is informed that during the New Year festival, when road travel increases beyond normal levels, the Royal Thai Police place great importance on public safety. Therefore, strict measures are implemented to safeguard safety and reduce road accidents, integrating police forces with relevant agencies to operate intensively throughout the 7-day control period of the New Year festival, which historically records the highest travel and accident rates of the year.
The mission of setting up traffic discipline checkpoints aims primarily to reduce accidents and losses on the roads, with a strong emphasis on strict law enforcement, especially the 10 main offenses such as drunk driving, speeding, and not wearing helmets. These are key mechanisms to deter risky behavior that could endanger drivers and other road users.
The Royal Thai Police confirmed to the Center for Road Accident Prevention and Reduction that rigorous and serious law enforcement by traffic police focuses on the ultimate goal of "public safety." They also appeal for cooperation from the public and tourists to understand and support police duties, with the shared objective of "ensuring everyone returns home and travels safely."
Pol Maj Gen Nithithorn Jintakarn, Commander of the Traffic Police Division and head of the task force to enhance the traffic police image, provided additional information that checkpoints have recently resulted in many other arrests. For example, on 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Nong Khao Police Station in Region 7 arrested 25 illegal immigrants along with 6.5 methamphetamine pills. On 28 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the Central Investigation Bureau’s Highway Police Division arrested three suspects under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2019 with 31 protected animals seized. Importantly, on 30 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Tha Chat Chai Police Station in Phuket, Region 8, seized one improvised explosive device. On 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the Central Investigation Bureau’s Highway Police Station 2, Division 5, arrested nine suspects under the Immigration Act 1979.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a clip circulating on social media allegedly shows the governor of Phatthalung province instructing police officers at a checkpoint.
The clip quotes the governor saying, “At this time, focus on warnings and service with care. This creates a positive image for us. People are already criticizing police nationwide, don’t you see? At checkpoints, is there any extortion? What would they collect? It’s currently a sensitive issue, so take it easy. Emphasize service and foster positive ideas about our image. Understand? Also, tell them that the governor reflects these points to the provincial police chief.” This statement has become widely criticized.