The chief of Roi Et City Police clarified the video showing a police sergeant grabbing and struggling with a teenager's head at a gas station, affirming the action followed appropriate tactics reasonably applied at that time due to physical limitations from injury. The teenage male requested a meeting, which ended with mutual understanding and no complaints from either side before a fine was issued under the Traffic Act for noisy exhaust pipes.
Regarding the video circulated on social media showing police officers detaining a teenager inside a gas station in Roi Et municipality, which sparked public debate about the appropriateness of police conduct, the Roi Et City Police Station has issued a statement clarifying the facts of the incident.
Police reported the incident occurred on 7 July 2026 when Sergeant Sanan Santhanu, head of the Prevention and Suppression Unit at Roi Et City Police, had just finished his duty and was heading home. He received a report from the public about a teenager riding a motorcycle recklessly and loudly with a noisy exhaust pipe, disturbing others. He proceeded to investigate and found the vehicle at a Bangchak gas station on Chaeng Sanit Road.
Upon investigation, the teenager in the video was identified as Mr. Phanuwat, age 19. Police said he appeared to attempt to flee and resisted arrest, worried about facing charges for modifying his exhaust pipe and lacking funds to pay a fine at that time. Meanwhile, Sergeant Sanan was limited physically due to a prior injury and thus used necessary force and tactics to control the situation.
Following public criticism, the chief of Roi Et City Police ordered the deputy chief of Prevention and Suppression, along with patrol and special units, to follow up and interview Mr. Phanuwat at a relative's home in Khon Kaen subdistrict, Mueang Roi Et district, with the village headman present as a witness throughout the process.
Authorities requested Mr. Phanuwat's consent for a urine drug test, which returned negative. Both Mr. Phanuwat and Sergeant Sanan were then invited to meet with investigators at Roi Et City Police Station to discuss and clarify the facts together.
After discussions, neither party wished to press charges. Authorities proceeded to fine the rider under the Land Traffic Act for using a vehicle with a noisy exhaust pipe. Mr. Phanuwat apologized to the officers and promised to modify his motorcycle to comply with the law and follow traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.
The Roi Et City Police Station stated that all officers operate within legal frameworks and are ready to investigate any cases attracting public interest to ensure transparency and public trust. They emphasized that law enforcement will be balanced with respect for citizens' rights and maintaining social order.