Chaiyachana emphasizes respect for the police, accepts investigation by the Democrat Party, requests fairness from society, and denies assaulting anyone involved in the case.
On 14 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Chaiyachana Dechadecho, a party-list MP of the Democrat Party, addressed the allegation of assaulting the deputy superintendent of Thung Yai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. He stated that he has always respected and honored the police officers and affirmed his support and protection of the police, especially regarding budget and personnel matters.
Chaiyachana said that as a former chair of the Police Commission, he has continually fought for budget support to aid police operations. He wants to inform the Royal Thai Police Commissioner and police commanders at all levels that he had no intention to assault any police officers and that he respects and honors their duties.
"I respect and honor their duties. I defend this organization because it safeguards the safety of the people," he said. Chaiyachana further stated,
As a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Democrat Party, he apologized to the public if the news caused any negative feelings about him but asked society to be fair. He reiterated that he did not assault anyone in the incident and requested that the facts be fairly examined through due process.
Regarding reports that the Democrat Party might set up a committee to investigate the incident, Chaiyachana said he welcomes and is fully prepared to cooperate with the party's investigation process. He believes fact-finding is feasible and will fully cooperate with the committee to clarify the truth.
Democrat Party spokesman points out conflicting information.
Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesman for the Democrat Party, confirmed that the process will follow principles and uphold police dignity. Currently, three parties involved present conflicting accounts: the deputy superintendent who filed the complaint four days after the incident, accusing assault without injury, invoking Section 391 of the Criminal Code to defend police dignity; the Thung Yai Police Superintendent, who initially denied the incident occurred, then acknowledged it but said the victim did not press charges, and later confirmed the event was a joke without intent to harm; and Chaiyachana, who told investigators he did not assault or intend to harm the deputy superintendent. Thus, the accounts conflict. The party is cooperating with the police, and both Chaiyachana and the deputy superintendent concluded it was a playful incident.
Advice to verify intent.
The Democrat Party spokesman added that the key issues are whether injury occurred and whether there was intent. Chaiyachana denies causing injury and claims it was playful. The party seeks to determine if Chaiyachana had intent to harm; if so, he would be culpable. The party is gathering evidence, including witnesses and video footage. If intent to harm is proven, disciplinary measures will be taken according to party ethics and regulations. Anyone with relevant evidence or testimony is encouraged to come forward for party action.
Emphasizes police are not political pawns.
When asked about Chaiyachana's claim that politics is involved, Pongsakorn said the party does not interfere with justice processes but supports them. Police must serve and protect the public, not be political pawns. Regardless of opposition or government politicians, police should rely on facts, not political influence. If Chaiyachana is found guilty, the party will conduct ethics investigations and take disciplinary action to uphold party ideals and political ethics. Regarding potential impact on the party's southern electoral base, he noted the party's 80-year history includes mistakes, but if wrongdoing is confirmed, internal party action will be taken to maintain principles and ethics.