Pol. Col. Chompol Rujiradumrongchai, Deputy Commander of Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, promptly visited to support the victim and acknowledged that the man who harassed the female server at the barbecue restaurant resembled a police officer. However, he said verification is necessary first. He assured full commitment to the investigation and urged no worries, stating that if the man is guilty, the punishment will be severe. He added that bad individuals exist in every unit and must be dealt with firmly and removed from society.
Regarding the case, the owner of the barbecue restaurant 'Sling Crack' posted angrily that a customer, a police officer with the rank of Sub-Lieutenant, grabbed the genital area of a female employee. When confronted, he denied it, but the owner presented CCTV footage to confirm the act. The suspect continued to behave arrogantly, showing no remorse and claimed, “Is this normal?” The victim reported the incident to the police for action, but the case remains unresolved. The owner appealed for the superiors to thoroughly investigate and impose strict punishment, as previously reported.
Update at 14:00 on 21 May 2026: Pol. Maj. Gen. Pasawi Ruangphu, Commander of Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, assigned Pol. Col. Chompol Rujiradumrongchai, Deputy Commander, along with Pol. Col. Sitthipong Sangsaeng, Superintendent of Lat Ya Police Station, to visit Ton Pradu Barbecue Restaurant, Lat Ya branch, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi. They met with Mr. Phanupong Thepwong (nickname At), 31, the owner, together with Ms. Jane (pseudonym), 20, the victim, her brother, and friends. They discussed the incident in detail and noted that there had been no apology from the accused party despite attempts to negotiate.
Pol. Col. Chompol Rujiradumrongchai, Deputy Commander of Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, stated, "Regarding police officers, we have Order 1212. Police have direct superiors according to the chain of command who must oversee their conduct and welfare. Every issue must be monitored, with meetings and guidance like mentoring and teaching. When misconduct occurs, disciplinary measures follow. Our police discipline system is established and separate from criminal cases."
He added, "Regarding the public, I want to assure that Kanchanaburi Provincial Police are fully committed; there is no need to worry. Even if it involves ordinary individuals, we pursue the matter thoroughly. If the offender is a civil servant, disciplinary actions will be even more severe, definitely. No worries."
He told the victim to be assured that, at the very least, the investigation will clarify that the police do not engage in any cover-up or persuasion. If the offense is confirmed, only repeated offenses will be met with punishment. He encouraged the victim to stay strong and expressed support for the many dedicated police officers who work hard. This will give them strength to continue their duties.
"Bad individuals exist in every unit. We will take serious action to remove them from society if they are not good," he emphasized.
When asked about disciplinary procedures, the Deputy Commander explained that the severity of penalties depends on the offense. The highest disciplinary action can be dismissal, depending on the case. Even if the penalty is not severe, damage to reputation can warrant punishment. The disciplinary committee must investigate the offender, which takes time and is not immediate.
Asked how the victim was supported, the Deputy Commander said that the Commander of Region 7 Police, the provincial commander, and deputy commanders were all concerned. He was assigned to meet the victim to clarify the facts reported widely on social media about the incident. They learned the details and explained the next steps to the victim and her relatives, who now understand and feel more at ease that the police will fully pursue the investigation, pressing charges and following procedures 100%.
When asked whether the suspect is confirmed to be a police officer, the Deputy Commander said that according to media reports, the suspect does resemble the officer involved, but verification is required. The suspect will be summoned and charges will be presented, and the victim will confirm the allegations. This process will proceed as per protocol, but it aligns with the media coverage so far.
Asked about reports that the suspect is a traffic police officer from Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station and whether the superintendent or superior has been contacted, the Deputy Commander said that initial investigations revealed some facts. The superior has assigned the superintendent of Mueang Police Station to summon the person of interest for preliminary explanation about what happened. Further steps will follow to identify the individual. Additionally, Lat Ya Police Station, the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, has conducted its investigation and will proceed accordingly, with the internal process expected to be faster than usual.
When asked if previous behavior will be investigated, as social media has exposed multiple complaints from other restaurants indicating this is not the first incident, the Deputy Commander said that disciplinary investigations will continue to determine if prior incidents occurred. If the suspect is under suspicion, they will review their history for any previous offenses and the progress of such cases. He confirmed that once such incidents arise, the police will fully enforce discipline. Good officers deserve support, while offenders must face punishment, especially civil servants who commit offenses.
Asked if confirmed guilt would lead to suspension pending investigation, the Deputy Commander said that if found guilty, disciplinary penalties under the National Police Act will apply. The commanding officer will decide on the appropriate actions according to their authority. He reaffirmed that if the suspect is guilty, punishment is certain.