Worasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, has ordered an urgent investigation into complaints that operation officers in Thalang District, Phuket, were accused of soliciting money from detainees. If the allegations are confirmed, strict action will be taken.
On 17 September 2026, following the public release of complaints about the conduct of operation officers in Thalang District, Phuket, alleging they solicited money from detainees in exchange for release, which was reported and circulated publicly on 16 September 2026.
Worasit Liangprasert, Deputy Minister of Interior, instructed the Department of Provincial Administration and Phuket authorities to swiftly verify all facts regarding the incident, including the event itself, involved persons, officers' conduct, and all supporting evidence and context, to establish clear and verifiable truths.
He also urged Phuket’s governor to promptly clarify the facts publicly and to report investigation progress to the Ministry of Interior as soon as possible, enabling close oversight and supervision of local actions.
This approach underscores the principle that allegations must be distinguished from facts; investigations must be evidence-based and fair to all parties. Moreover, when complaints become public knowledge, responsible agencies must quickly provide answers to prevent lingering doubts.
Initially, Thalang District has reviewed information about the officers’ conduct featured on online media and has ordered a fact-finding report and appointed a committee to investigate, requiring a report to the province by 17 September 2026.
The Ministry of Interior has therefore urged the province to expedite the investigation process and to report developments promptly so the central government can be informed and monitor ongoing actions closely.
Additionally, the Department of Provincial Administration and Phuket province have been instructed to broaden the investigation to include any other complaints or leads of similar misconduct throughout Phuket, not limited to the current case, to identify any pending complaints or information needing further examination and to process these according to their authority.
Worasit emphasized that the key goal is to provide the public with factual answers, not merely allegations. If wrongdoing is confirmed, regardless of the officer’s rank, legal and disciplinary measures will be strictly enforced. Conversely, if no misconduct is found, the facts must be disclosed to ensure fairness to the accused and to build trust in provincial administration.
“This matter must be clarified. Complaints require investigation. The province must promptly seek the truth and report to the ministry. If wrongdoing is confirmed, strict action is necessary. However, everything must be based on facts and evidence, ensuring fairness to all parties.”