Bangkok: A taxi driver involved in an altercation with police at a Kamphaeng Saen checkpoint has asserted that he was pushed to the ground by an officer, resulting in a sprained ankle.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident, which took place on December 30th, was widely shared on social media. It depicts the driver live-streaming the police officers' activities at the checkpoint. A police officer is seen approaching the driver and touching his shoulder, which the driver claims caused him to fall. The driver is heard verbally accusing the officer of pushing him.
The Kamphaeng Saen Police Station later addressed the incident, stating that the officers were conducting routine checks to enforce traffic regulations during the New Year festival's "7 Dangerous Days." The taxi, upon reaching the checkpoint, was signaled to stop by the officers who observed that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Despite the driver's claim that he had just unbuckled it, the officers issued a warning and requested him to park the vehicle. The driver exited the car, demanded a ticket, and began live-streaming the event, which the officers perceived as obstructive. The police maintained that they merely touched the driver's arm without exerting any force, and that the driver voluntarily fell to the ground, claiming he was pushed. The police affirmed that their actions were lawful and pledged to ensure fairness in their investigation.
Mr. Winai, the 51-year-old taxi driver, recounted the event, insisting that he was wearing his seatbelt and only unbuckled it upon reaching the checkpoint. He described the officer's touch as a forceful push that led to his fall and subsequent sprain. After receiving medical attention at Kamphaeng Saen hospital, where his sprain was confirmed, Mr. Winai returned to the police station to file a complaint for assault against the officer. He has faced public criticism for allegedly staging the incident but maintains that his account is truthful and seeks public understanding.