In Phatthalung, a police sergeant caught using drugs reported to his commanding officer and has resumed work as normal. Initial urine screening showed no drugs, but blood test results are pending confirmation. Disciplinary and criminal charges are forthcoming.
On 28 Aug 2026, following the case where the Provincial Police Region 9 held a training course for police officers at the squad leader level and below for fiscal year 2026 on 10 August, conducted via Zoom or VTV with 259 participants, a police sergeant from Thalenoi Police Station, Phatthalung, was seen using drugs on camera during the online meeting. Witnesses who saw the incident found it unacceptable, recorded it, and filed complaints with supervisors and the media for investigation.
Recently, Police Colonel Rangsee Manjit, superintendent of Thalenoi Police Station, Phatthalung, revealed that initial urine tests conducted on 14 August on the officers found the sergeant had disappeared and failed to report for drug testing at the station. Investigators checked his residence and questioned his mother, who said he had been missing since the news broke and was unreachable. No illegal substances were found at the home.
After eight days, the sergeant reported back and underwent a urine test, which found no drugs. Supervisors arranged for a doctor to collect blood samples for analysis and coordinated with Phatthalung forensic officials to collect hair samples for DNA-based drug testing, which can detect substances. Results are still pending and will take some time.
The sergeant’s actions involved concealment of drug use. Authorities have sent a formal letter to senior commanders to impose disciplinary action, as the media reports are based on factual evidence. Regarding the criminal case filed at Khuan Khanun Police Station in Phatthalung for drug use, results from medical examinations and forensic tests are awaited to proceed with prosecution.
Police Colonel Rangsee Manjit added that whether police officers or civilians, anyone who breaks the law will face the same penalties; no one will be protected.