BANGKOK, Thailand – The Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 3 disclosed that 26 Chinese nationals participated in a volunteer police training program, with over half paying fees for the course, January 3. Authorities are now investigating the flow of money and identifying beneficiaries. Preliminary findings suggest police trainers involved likely received compensation.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiattikul Sonthinen, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 3, shared the update following a six-hour interrogation involving three groups: a Chinese instructor, the Chinese organizer who arranged for outsiders to join the training, and the trainees themselves.
Initial inquiries revealed that the training had 27 participants, including 26 Chinese nationals and one Thai citizen. Among the Chinese participants, 13 were university students, and 13 were external individuals. The fee was reportedly collected only from non-student participants.
Reports indicate that two officers—one superintendent and one deputy superintendent from Metropolitan Police Division 3—submitted their preliminary findings yesterday. The investigation is currently focused on determining whether any disciplinary violations occurred. If evidence is found, a fact-finding committee will be formed in accordance with the National Police Act.
Li Zhang, Assistant to the Vice President for International Affairs at Siam University, was identified as a liaison for the university. He traveled from China and was questioned on January 2. However, Li was not the organizer; another Chinese individual, connected to the program, was responsible for arranging the training.
The training took place on university premises, but officials have not yet questioned the institution’s involvement.
Authorities are investigating where the fees collected from external participants were allocated. As of now, this information remains unclear.
Two police officers linked to the event may face reassignment, depending on further deliberation by their superiors. Evidence suggests the officers likely received compensation for their participation, given the effort involved in traveling from Min Buri to Phasi Charoen for the training.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiattikul clarified that Metropolitan Police Division 3 did not organize the event and has no record of conducting such activities for Chinese nationals. The event reportedly stemmed from a written request submitted to the superintendent, who assigned the deputy superintendent to oversee the program.
Further updates will depend on additional findings presented to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner for final directives. (TNA)
