"Hia Momma" has acknowledged charges after slapping a DJ due to dissatisfaction with the late playing of the Happy Birthday song. He resigned from the Police Advisory Committee following the incident.
At 16:30 on 18 June 2026 at Khon Kaen City Police Station, Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewsuebtanaj, chief of Khon Kaen City Police, along with deputy investigation and suppression chiefs and the chief investigator, held a press conference about a summons issued to 56-year-old Hia Momma, a male tourist from Khon Kaen Province. He had visited a nightclub in Khon Kaen city and requested the Happy Birthday song for a woman at his table, but when the DJ delayed playing it, Hia Momma slapped the DJ’s head three times.
After the incident, the DJ filed an assault complaint with the police. Upon receiving the report, police issued a summons for Hia Momma to meet the investigator to be questioned and to acknowledge the charges.
Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewsuebtanaj, chief of Khon Kaen City Police, said that after the clip and media reports circulated, police have been in contact with Hia Momma to investigate as the accused. Since the DJ filed a complaint of assault at a restaurant within Khon Kaen City Police jurisdiction, investigators issued a summons for Hia Momma, who also served as a Police Advisory Committee member, to appear for questioning and to acknowledge charges.
"At 15:00 on 18 June 2026, Hia Momma came to meet the investigator and officially acknowledged the charge of using force to assault without causing serious bodily or mental harm, under Criminal Code Section 391, punishable by up to one month imprisonment or a fine up to 10,000 baht, or both. After acknowledging the charge, the investigator released him. The case will be forwarded to the prosecutor on 19 June 2026 because it was not possible to file a verbal complaint today."
Regarding other potential charges, the investigation found that the offense was bodily assault, not defamation. The accused’s remarks were boastful rather than insulting or threatening. Therefore, the charge applicable is using force to assault without causing serious bodily or mental harm under Criminal Code Section 391. The victim may file a separate civil suit to claim damages under Section 44/1 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The chief investigator added that the victim declined mediation during the police investigation. The investigator will note in the final complaint that no compensation agreement was reached. The victim may request a certified copy of the verdict to pursue a related civil case or ask the prosecutor to seek damages on their behalf.
Regarding Hia Momma’s status as a Police Advisory Committee member, he still held the position at the time of the incident but resigned on 17 June 2026 after the event. This resignation has been submitted to the provincial Police Advisory Committee chairman, who is also the Khon Kaen governor, for consideration according to Police Regulations.
The Police Advisory Committee, or the Committee for Monitoring and Overseeing Police Administration, is established under the National Police Act and the 2024 Police Regulations concerning oversight committees.
The main role of the Police Advisory Committee is to monitor and oversee police operations to ensure compliance with policies, laws, and fairness to the public; handle complaints; serve as a channel for citizens to report issues or misconduct by police officers; provide advice and suggestions; present local issues and recommend improvements to police work aligning with community needs; and promote cooperation among citizens and local agencies to participate in crime prevention and suppression.
The Khon Kaen City Police chief further explained that Police Advisory Committee members serve two-year terms and may be reappointed but cannot serve more than two consecutive terms for civilians. Termination from the committee occurs due to death, resignation, loss of qualifications per regulations, absence from more than three meetings, receiving less than two-thirds approval in a vote, or misconduct or inappropriate behavior.
"The Police Advisory Committee holds no operational authority and no conflicts of interest exist between selectors and selected members. Their role is solely to monitor and oversee police administration."