The Khon Kaen Provincial Police clarify the incident Deputy Superintendent restrained and assaulted a journalist, with the latest order transferring him immediately from his original post and establishing a fact-finding committee.
Following public criticism of police behavior at Ban Phai Police Station, various Khon Kaen-based social media pages reported that a police officer had assaulted a citizen. The alleged perpetrator was identified as a Police Lieutenant Colonel, later confirmed as the Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Ban Phai Police Station.
The victim is 'Mo Ban Phai,' a local journalist and owner of the Ban Phai News page, also part of the Khon Kaen provincial news network. He was treated at Ban Phai Hospital after sustaining a laceration above his right eyebrow requiring 12 stitches and scratch marks on his neck. After receiving treatment, he livestreamed from his hospital bed detailing the incident and vowed to pursue legal action. The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on 7 August 2026.
Subsequently, a reporter visited Mr. Tritep Kiattipakorn, known as Mo Ban Phai, aged 42, owner of the 'Ban Phai News' page and a network journalist for television and newspapers in Khon Kaen. He remained hospitalized at Ban Phai Hospital with a laceration above his right eyebrow requiring 12 stitches and scratch marks on his neck. Doctors advised an additional night of observation.
According to preliminary reports, on the morning of 8 August 2026, Pol. Col. Rakkhat Rueangcharoen, Chief of Ban Phai Police Station, visited the injured journalist at the hospital to inquire about the incident and instructed investigators to conduct initial questioning.
Mr. Tritep stated that on the evening of 7 August 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., he parked his car in front of the Ban Phai Police Investigation Office to attend the annual village headmen event at the Ban Phai district office. The Deputy Superintendent, who knew him well, called him over for a conversation at a marble table behind the investigation office, where two other officers were present.
After about five minutes of talking, the Deputy Superintendent suddenly forcefully grabbed Mr. Tritep’s neck, causing him to struggle to breathe. He asked him to stop, and the two other officers at the table also urged him to release the hold.
As one of the officers was about to help, the Deputy Superintendent released his grip. Feeling the situation was no longer playful, Mr. Tritep got up and began to leave toward the investigation office entrance. At the door, he heard the Deputy Superintendent say, 'Just joking, why are you upset?' He replied, 'If you play this rough, I’m leaving now.'
The Deputy Superintendent followed and grabbed his neck a second time, after which Mr. Tritep lost consciousness. He later regained consciousness to find two officers cleaning blood with tissue. Initially thinking it was a nosebleed, he later learned the blood was from a wound above his right eyebrow. Emergency services were contacted, and he was taken to the hospital.
While waiting for the ambulance, the Deputy Superintendent was heard shouting loudly. A patrol officer who had just started duty came to observe the scene. The Deputy Superintendent then returned to his office. Upon arrival, medical staff treated the wound above Mr. Tritep’s right eyebrow with 12 stitches and noted scratch and claw marks on his neck. He was admitted for observation.
Mr. Tritep also said he and the Deputy Superintendent had known each other for a long time and had often worked together closely without prior conflicts. They usually chatted and joked like acquaintances, so he did not expect this incident. He confirmed that after hospital discharge, he will file a complaint with Ban Phai Police to pursue legal action against the Deputy Superintendent.
Regarding the Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Ban Phai Police Station accused in this incident, he was previously involved in a September 2025 case where he was alleged to have threatened a five-month pregnant woman in Mancha Khiri district, Khon Kaen. Reports indicated he used abusive language and there was disciplinary action before he resumed duty.
On 9 August 2026, the Khon Kaen Provincial Police issued a statement addressing the online news about the Deputy Superintendent assaulting a journalist. They confirmed receiving a report from Ban Phai Police Station with detailed information.
1. On 7 August 2026 at 7:30 p.m., in front of the Ban Phai Police investigation office, Deputy Superintendent Worawit, who was well acquainted with local journalist Mr. Tritep, was casually chatting and joking at a marble table near the investigation office. Subsequently, Deputy Superintendent Worawit forcefully grabbed Mr. Tritep’s neck. Mr. Tritep stood up and walked away. Deputy Superintendent Worawit followed and grabbed his neck again, saying, 'Joking, why are you angry?'
Mr. Tritep then lost consciousness and later found himself injured with a laceration above his right eyebrow and bruising on his neck. Rescue personnel transported him to Ban Phai Hospital, where he is currently under medical care. Pol. Col. Rakkhat Rueangcharoen, Chief of Ban Phai Police Station, personally visited the injured to express concern, discuss the matter, and assured a fair investigation.
2. Ban Phai Police Station acknowledged that the injuries resulted from Deputy Superintendent Worawit's actions, but the exact cause remains unclear. To ensure transparency and fairness, Khon Kaen Provincial Police ordered Deputy Superintendent Worawit to assist at the Khon Kaen Provincial Police Operations Center, removing him from his previous post immediately from 8 August 2026. A fact-finding committee has been appointed to ensure fairness for all parties involved.
