The leaked audio clip scandal led the Royal Thai Police chief to urgently transfer the Nakhon Si Thammarat police commander. This sheds light on opportunities for illicit gains in the area. A former deputy commander of Region 8 noted that such behavior has been longstanding and ongoing. Solutions must begin with reforming the local police system to address these issues effectively.
The Royal Thai Police received reports concerning social media content alleging police officers soliciting bribes in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. This has damaged the image of the Royal Thai Police and attracted widespread public attention. Recently, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the police chief, signed an order transferring Pol. Maj. Gen. Kriangsak Noonklieng, the provincial police commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat, to assist at the Royal Thai Police Operations Center, effective 21 Dec 2025 GMT+7, until further notice.
Subsequently, Chawang Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, led by Pol. Col. Phuwasit Wangkaew, issued a statement regarding the matter. They said that after examining the audio clip, they could not confirm the identities of the two male voices in the conversation. The audio might be fabricated or generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The source of the conversation remains unknown. They are continuing investigations, as the motive behind the incident is unclear.
Despite local authorities' explanations, public skepticism remains regarding transparency and internal investigative processes within state agencies. This is especially so concerning allegations of bribery, a problem of ongoing public concern across various parts of the country.
Amidst the controversy, Pol. Lt. Gen. Dr. Wanchai Ekpornpich, a senator and former deputy police commander of Region 8 (Nakhon Si Thammarat), shared with Thairath Online’s special news team that such misconduct is not new but has been a long-standing and recurring issue. However, this recent case has brought greater clarity, attracting wider public scrutiny.
Considering the broader picture, he personally believes such behavior likely occurs in many areas, which is highly inappropriate and a grave error leading to corruption. The fact that individuals have openly spoken out and provided clear information is courageous and highlights misuse of law enforcement methods.
"These issues exist everywhere, yet they never become a true lesson because when actions are not taken seriously, people are not afraid," Pol. Lt. Gen. Dr. Wanchai stated.
He added that solving the problem requires serious enforcement of the law at all levels, from senior executives and top commanders to frontline officers. If wrongdoing is found, it must be addressed transparently and effectively to prevent recurrence. No area should be exploited as a source of income by any official, not only police but all law enforcement agencies.
If all parties could set aside personal interests and prioritize their duties and public welfare, such problems could be resolved. Nonetheless, commanders still play a critical role in oversight and accountability. The persistence of such behavior in many areas reflects structural problems that require serious and sustained reform.
Today (22 Dec 2025 GMT+7), Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the Royal Thai Police chief, signed an order transferring Pol. Maj. Gen. Kriangsak Noonklieng, the provincial police commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat, to assist at the Royal Thai Police Operations Center, relieving him of his previous duties. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornchai Khajornklin, deputy commander of Region 8, was appointed acting provincial police commander from 21 Dec 2025 GMT+7 until further notice.
The order was issued due to reasonable suspicion of police misconduct and unsuitability to continue in the current position. Continuing in the role could cause damage to official duties. The police chief invoked authority under the National Police Act of 2022 and related regulations to transfer the officer for administrative assistance. This aims to ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly, effectively, transparently, and fairly, preventing harm to the service.