Charges have been filed against a middle-aged man who recorded a video complaining and insulting police at a checkpoint in Rayong after his friend was detained for drunk driving. He admitted his fault, brought a gift basket to apologize to the officers, and assured he would not repeat the act.
The case began when a Facebook user shared a video capturing himself speaking to and criticizing police officers carrying out their duties at a checkpoint in Rayong. He used harsh language to reprimand, provoke, and criticize the police work, which became a widely discussed issue.It sparked public criticism..
Subsequently,the Facebook page of Rayong Provincial Policeissued a statement regarding the incident, stating that on 4 Mar 2026, the Rayong Provincial Police discovered on the social media page Prachan Lai Kratai V7that there wasa useron social mediawith the account name ... who posted a message and videousing inappropriate languageaccusing police officers of misconduct and provoking unrest, hindering police work. The post was later deleted. The Rayong Provincial Police report the facts as follows.
On 28 Feb 2026 at approximately 00:32, traffic officers of Rayong Provincial Police were conducting a checkpointto preventcrime and measure alcohol levels. A white Honda car with license plate from Nakhon Ratchasima passed the checkpoint in front of Saengthong Plus Mall on Sukhumvit Road, Choeng Noen Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province.
The driver, Mr. Natthapong, appeared intoxicated. He was stopped and asked to take a breathalyzer test, which he consented to. The test showed a blood alcohol level of 41 milligrams percent. When asked for his driver's license, he said it was inside the car. The officers searched the vehicle but found no license. Upon further questioning,
Mr. Natthapong admitted he never obtained a driver's license. He was therefore detained for legal action under Ministry Regulation No. 21 (2017), issued under the Land Traffic Act 1979, which states that a driver without a license with a blood alcohol level over20 milligrams percentis consideredto be driving under the influence.. During this time, the person recording the video, a friend of the driver who was in the car,
became upset that his friend was detained and got out of the car to record a video at the checkpoint. The policeexercised patience,explained the legal situation politely without inappropriate behavior, strictly following police discipline and ethics.The officers explained the law to Mr. Natthapong and his friend. Then they detained Mr. Natthapong and handed him over to the investigation officers at Mueang Rayong Police Station for legal proceedings.The Rayong Provincial Police emphasize that their officers are trained to be patient and tolerant in performing their duties, which was demonstrated fully in this case. They affirm that all procedures were lawful, conducted with honesty,transparency, and consideration of citizens’ rights while maintaining social order to the highest degree. Regarding the video recording and its publication, evidence is being collected and relevant actions are underway. The public is encouraged to report any wrongdoing or disturbances by calling 191, available 24 hours.On 5 Mar 2026 at 11:00 a.m., reporters learned that Mr. Manop, 54, from Choeng Noen Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, the owner of the video,surrendered himself to the police at Mueang Rayong Police Station after posting the video onFacebook
insulting police officers in an inappropriate manner. He brought a fruit basket to apologize to Police Major General Pramot Ngampradit, Commander of Rayong Provincial Police; Police Colonel Worawut Chaicharoen, Deputy Commander; Police Colonel Arthit Yakao, Superintendent of Mueang Rayong Police Station; Police Major Parinya Jaitieng, Investigating Officer and Traffic Operations Officer at Rayong Provincial Police; and the traffic officers at the checkpoint on the night of the incident.Mr. Manop admitted all charges. He said he recorded the video and posted it onFacebookto gain likes. He expressed regret, acknowledged it was wrong, and after being notified of the charges, he surrendered himself and apologized to the police officers. He promised such incidents would not happen again.The police charged him with defamation by advertising and insulting an official performing their duties, and will proceed with legal action.
