LAMPANG, Thailand – A viral clip circulating on social media shows a middle-aged man drinking at a restaurant in Hang Chat District, Lampang, causing a scene while allegedly claiming to be a police officer. The situation escalated into a brawl with a group of young patrons. The Hang Chat Police Chief has confirmed that the man in question is indeed a police officer, holding the rank of Police Senior Sergeant Major. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the facts.
The video captures the intoxicated man arguing loudly and aggressively with a group of young drinkers at the restaurant. At one point, he is heard shouting, “Do you want to die?” before a physical altercation breaks out. Despite being knocked to the ground, he continues to fight.
The incident reportedly occurred when the man was about to leave the restaurant, but a staff member presented a bill of 399 baht. This led to his outburst, during which he refused to pay and angrily berated the staff. A group of young customers, who were livestreaming at the time, overheard the commotion and intervened after hearing a female employee shouting that the man had not paid. The argument quickly escalated when the intoxicated officer insisted he had done a lot for the restaurant and community.
The situation was ultimately resolved when the officer’s companion covered the bill, allowing them to leave on a motorcycle. As they departed, a female staff member was heard saying, “You don’t have to come back again.”
Police Confirm Officer’s Identity, Investigation Underway
On the morning of March 10, reporters visited the restaurant, where the owner, 44-year-old Nui, and her husband walked them through the events of the previous night. The intoxicated officer had been dining with a friend, while three young patrons—two men and one woman—were seated nearby.
The owner recounted that just before midnight on March 8, she was preparing to close the restaurant and presented the bill of 399 baht. The officer’s friend managed to pay 300 baht and was searching for the remaining 99 baht when the officer suddenly threw the bill aside and began shouting. He allegedly threatened to shut down the restaurant and warned that it would not be able to stay in business.
A young man from the neighboring table attempted to mediate but was punched by the officer, leading to the scuffle captured on CCTV footage. The restaurant owner expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’ve dealt with many drunk customers before, but I never expected this behavior from a police officer, someone who is supposed to protect the people.”
Hang Chat Police Station’s chief has since assigned a deputy superintendent to investigate. Initial findings confirm that the intoxicated man is indeed a 50-year-old police officer working in the station’s radio communication division. Authorities will first conduct a fact-finding investigation, followed by an official disciplinary inquiry if wrongdoing is confirmed. The police have assured both parties that they will ensure fairness in the matter. If the restaurant requests a formal apology, the officer in question will be asked to comply.
Ice, a 21-year-old customer involved in the altercation, stated that he was livestreaming nearby when he heard the commotion and stepped in to help the restaurant staff, as he knew the owner. Initially, he tried to speak calmly with the officer, but the man continued yelling. The situation escalated when the officer attempted to punch Ice, who dodged and retaliated in self-defense. The conflict persisted for over an hour and a half before being broken up.
Authorities believe alcohol was the main factor behind the officer’s behavior. The investigation is ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. (TNA)
