Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornchai Khajornklin, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 8 and Acting Commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, decisively ordered the transfer of two deputy investigation commanders following the arrest of 90 methamphetamine pills. Informants revealed that bribes were solicited in exchange for reducing the quantity of drugs and not pursuing related drug cases uncovered in the investigation.
On 4 March 2026, reporters reported that Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornchai Khajornklin signed the order from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, document number 229/2569, dated 2 March 2026, concerning the assignment of police officers to assist in official duties.
The order referenced Police Provincial Command Order No. 225/2569 dated 2 March 2026, appointing a fact-finding committee. On 26 February 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., arresting officers searched Mr. Kriangsak Kaekpong and found 90 methamphetamine pills. Mr. Kriangsak admitted ownership of the seized drugs. The officers charged him with illegal possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine). He confessed to all allegations. He was then detained with evidence at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police Investigation Division to record the arrest and submit a urine sample for drug testing. The preliminary test was negative. He and the evidence were forwarded to Hua Sai Police Station to proceed with legal actions. The incident occurred on the roadside of Bon Kai Alley, Village 7, Na Saton Subdistrict, Hua Sai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
Subsequently, informants reported that the arresting officers solicited bribes to reduce the quantity of drugs and to not pursue related drug cases uncovered during the investigation. To determine whether the arrest and prosecution of the drug suspect complied with the law or involved misconduct as alleged by informants, and to identify any police officers committing disciplinary or criminal offenses, an official fact-finding team was appointed.
Due to suspicions of police misconduct and unsuitability to continue in their current positions, which could cause harm if allowed to remain, and to ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly, effectively, transparently, and fairly without damaging government interests, under the authority of Sections 63 and 105 of the National Police Act B.E. 2565 (2022) and the National Police Office regulations on assigning police officers to assist within the National Police Office B.E. 2566 (2023), the following measures were enacted.
Four police officers were assigned to assist in the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police as follows:
1. Police Lieutenant Colonel Sawat Niyomdecha, Deputy Investigation Commander of Bang Khan Police Station, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, assigned to assist the Investigation Division of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police to perform duties as assigned by the Investigation Division Commander.
2. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Phonkaset, Deputy Investigation Commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, assigned to assist Bang Khan Police Station to perform duties as assigned by the Bang Khan Police Station Commander.
3. Police Lieutenant Colonel Kiatchai Meesuk, Deputy Investigation Commander of Hua Sai Police Station, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, assigned to assist Mai Riang Police Station to perform duties as assigned by the Mai Riang Police Station Commander.
4. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phairoj Unpan, Deputy Investigation Commander of Mai Riang Police Station, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, assigned to assist Hua Sai Police Station to perform duties as assigned by the Hua Sai Police Station Commander. The period of assignment is as follows:
From 2 March 2026 onward until 27 August 2026.