Two women have come forward with evidence, claiming they were assaulted by police in Chiang Rai, who allegedly tried to steal a gold bracelet and falsely accused them of driving under the influence, even though they took over 20 breathalyser tests without any alcohol detected.
On February 27, 2025, at the Chiang Rai Provincial Police Headquarters, Ms. Chanthicha, 29, and their lawyer, approached Police Major General Manop Senakul, Chiang Rai’s Provincial Police Chief, to file a formal complaint.
Ms. Chanthicha explained that on January 22, 2025, she and her friend traveled to Chiang Rai’s Phu Chi Fa to discuss an event planning job. While returning to their accommodation in Chiang Rai city, they followed GPS directions, which led them to a road behind the airport.
During the drive, a dog suddenly ran across the road, causing her to swerve and crash into a ditch about eight metres deep. Fortunately, neither of them was injured. When police and rescue workers arrived to assist, an officer allegedly tried to remove her gold bracelet.
Twenty Breathalyzer Tests
She protested, prompting the officer to request a breathalyser test. She agreed and blew into the device about 20 times without any alcohol being detected, as she hadn’t consumed any alcohol.
Ms. Chanthicha added that the officers grew frustrated and took her into the rescue vehicle, ordering the two rescue workers to leave. Inside the vehicle, they continued insisting she blow into the breathalyser, despite her saying she was too weak to do so anymore.
One officer reportedly claimed she was refusing the test, then slapped her face and hit her chest. Waiting outside the vehicle, her friend heard the commotion and banged on the rescue vehicle to intervene. About 10 minutes later, the officers exited the vehicle and drove off.
On January 23, 2025, one of the officers allegedly called her friend, stating they couldn’t reach Ms. Chanthicha and asking her to come in to acknowledge charges of driving under the influence.
They claimed her blood alcohol level exceeded 150 milligrams, a claim she strongly denies. She maintained that the breathalyser readings consistently showed no alcohol.
Their lawyer pointed out discrepancies in the officers’ actions, questioning why they didn’t take Ms. Chanthicha to a hospital for evaluation on the day of the incident if they believed she was under the influence.
Improper Police Procedures
Instead, they issued the charge the following day, which is unusual. Proper procedure would require testing and filing charges within six hours. The lawyer also noted physical injuries consistent with Ms. Chanthicha’s claims of being assaulted, prompting the decision to file a formal complaint to ensure justice.
According to Channel 7 News, attempts to reach senior police officials for a statement were unsuccessful as the Region 5 Provincial Police were in a meeting. A spokesperson stated that police acted within the law and claimed the driver was uncooperative with the breath test.
They denied any assault, asserting that the officers involved are willing to undergo an investigation. If found guilty of misconduct, the officers will face legal consequences. However, the officers maintained that they followed all proper procedures.
A representative for the Chiang Rai Provincial Police Chief accepted the complaint and promised to initiate an inquiry. They assured both sides would receive fair treatment during the investigation.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
