BANGKOK, Thailand – National police chief has ordered a criminal and disciplinary investigation into a police officer on Oct 25 after a video surfaced showing him promoting the direct sales company, the iCon Group on stage at an event.
The viral clip shows a Police Colonel in full uniform on “the iCon Group” stage, introducing himself as a superintendent of investigation. In the video, he claims to give “100% commitment” to this business, criticizing the Royal Thai Police for offering minimal salary increases of 200-400 baht while taking sick leave is difficult.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thammanoon Chaowawanich, Saraburi Provincial Police Commander, confirmed the officer as Police Colonel Somkid Savisai, currently Deputy Commander of Saraburi Provincial Police.
The iCon Group has faced an avalanche of fraud complaints, with many accusing it of operating a pyramid scheme. About 7,000 victims reported losses totaling more than 2 billion baht. The company has denied these allegations. So far, 18 suspects have been arrested including celebrities and a famous TV host.
Following social media attention, a fact-finding committee has been established to investigate within 15 days whether Col. Somkid’s stage appearance was intentional and how his direct sales business operates. The investigation will cover potential criminal violations and his comments about the Royal Thai Police.
Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, the national police chief emphasized that there would be no protection for officers involved in public fraud or computer crimes. He added that while officers can pursue honest side businesses, they must not deceive others or misuse official time and uniform.
The officer in question admits to engaging in direct sales business hoping to earn travel rewards but denies involvement in any pyramid schemes.
Sources close to the officer have revealed that he is under significant stress following the scandal. The officer reportedly has a history of running side businesses, including a convenience store. Initially successful with The Icon Group, he later distanced himself from the company when they changed their membership structure. (TNA)
