Pol. Col. Nitikorn Dechboon, chief of Mae Chai Police Station in Phayao Province, has provided clarification regarding the incident where a man whose car ran out of fuel asked for help from police at the Pa Faek outpost but was denied assistance. The chief explained that fuel is limited and must be reserved for patrol duties. Authorities are preparing to invite the man for a discussion to reach a mutual understanding.
On 29 March 2026 GMT+7, reporters noted that the case became a hot topic on social media after a Facebook user posted about running out of fuel near the Pa Faek police outpost in Mae Chai District, Phayao Province. The post said he sought help from the police inside the outpost but was refused the assistance he expected.
He wrote, "May I ask, is this police serving the public? Did I do something wrong? My car ran out of fuel in front of the Pa Faek police station, so I went inside to ask for help, to have the officers drive me to get fuel from my brother’s house. Instead, the police kicked me out and insulted me with rude language. I spoke politely because I really couldn't find a place to refuel. I urge the supervisors to look into their subordinates' conduct."
"I want to ask if I was wrong to approach the police when I had a problem, only to be insulted and told to leave. Please, supervisors, review the behavior of your officers. I was in distress with my car out of fuel in front of the station, yet the police insulted me and kicked me out without any help."
Recently, reporters contacted Pol. Col. Nitikorn Dechboon, chief of Mae Chai Police Station in Phayao. He explained that at the time, a vehicle ran out of fuel and the driver sought help from police at the Pa Faek outpost, but the officers were unable to assist because fuel is reserved for patrol duties and is limited in quantity. Previously, villagers have asked the police to buy fuel from the PT gas station at Ban Rong Ha in Mueang Phayao District several times, but the officers explained that they cannot leave their jurisdiction because they have to focus on their assigned area.
However, after the incident, the police will follow up and invite the Facebook user involved to provide his account and clarify the situation in the near future.