Phatthalung police allegedly says officers using drugs is not serious issue

Phatthalung police claim allegations of officers using drugs are not a serious matter. A police officer in Phatthalung is under investigation after allegedly using drugs during a training session with 259 other officers via Zoom on August 10. Provincial Police Region 9 conducted the efficiency development course for senior ranks.

The footage showed the officer sitting shirtless, preparing and smoking something, while users of the app recorded and reported the incident to authorities and media outlets. The journalist team interviewed the Thale Noi Police Station superintendent, Ransi Manjit, but he was unavailable. Another officer defended the colleague, stating that drug use by police was not a serious issue, though society does not accept it.

Phatthalung Provincial Police commander Chaowalit Liangsuphong ordered an immediate investigation if the allegations prove true. The officer, who previously served in Trang province and had a history of drug-related offenses, pawned a government firearm and vehicle, yet received lenient treatment from superiors.