Netizens have been condemning an ill-mannered, allegedly drunk Thai Army officer who was caught on tape slapping a motorist near Tiwanon Intersection in Nonthaburi on the evening of December 11. He claimed to be a high-ranking official but was later identified to be a Private.
The 76-second-long Youtube clip entitled “Drinking and driving, claims to be a high-ranking official” recorded the moment when a driver and his wife were cut off by the officer’s vehicle. He then got out of his car, walked down and yelled at them for honking. Despite the couple’s attempt to apologize and explain that the honking was aimed at protecting his car from colliding with the officer’s, the soldier slapped the driver in the face several times and spewed foul language at the couple.
“Just tell the police to arrest me. I am not afraid,” said the slapper, who claimed to be a Sergeant.
Deputy Army Spokesman Col Winthai Suwari told Matichon today that he knew and talked to the soldier, who actually bears the lowest-ranking military title. The officer was summoned for questioning and detained in an Army base. He would likely face jail time due to his behavior and tainting the Army’s reputation.
