Police Chief Denies Allegations of Assault by Former Minister in Nakhon Si Thammarat

On August 12, 2026, reports circulated on social media alleging that a former government minister had slapped a deputy superintendent of the Thung Yai Police Station during a funeral service for a local politician's mother in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

In response to these claims, Police Colonel Pongpichan Chayanonpiriya, the superintendent of Thung Yai Police Station, stated that he had not received any official reports of an assault. Furthermore, no witnesses have come forward to report such an incident to local authorities. Upon questioning the deputy superintendent involved, the officer explicitly denied that any physical altercation took place. The officer clarified that he shares a long-standing, respectful, and familial relationship with the former minister mentioned in the reports.

For residents and visitors, this incident highlights the rapid spread of unverified information on social media platforms. While the police have officially dismissed the allegations based on the testimony of the officer involved, the situation serves as a reminder to rely on verified reports from established authorities rather than social media rumors. As the police superintendent was not present at the event, he noted that he is relying on the direct account provided by his subordinate. No further investigation has been announced at this time.