A high ranking customs official who assaulted a security employee at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has been summoned for a police investigation into the incident.
Sombat Chartchaiwaiyawit, chief of customs passenger inspection at the airport, has been transferred over the incident and an internal investigation is also underway.
Sirichai Maichum, identified as the assaulted security employee, has filed a complaint over the matter. He was allegedly injured by Sombat, the Bangkok Post reported. Rumors are going around that he ruptured his eardrum from the ear-clapping that Sombat administered.
The CCTV video of the incident went viral on YouTube and sparked public outcry. It’s been watched nearly 250,000 times and generated over 7,000 “dislikes”.
Many have voiced concerns about the fact that Sombat may have boarded a flight without being fully screened.
Suvarnabhumi airport director Somchai Sawasdipol said that the airport’s lawyers is looking into taking legal action against the customs official. “It is a case of assault which may have a negative effect on the airport,” he said, according to the Bangkok Post.
Somchai confirmed that all passengers must follow all security procedures.
Customs Department director-general Somchai Poolsavasdi said the investigation into the incident would be finished in 30 days. “This is not about corruption,” he said. “I take this investigation seriously. But I have to be sure that he is treated fairly.”
Sombat could face disciplinary action from the Civil Service Commission.
