BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai, acting as Prime Minister, announced the results of the “ZERO DRUG” operation targeting a club in the Rangsit area, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani Province. The special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration found underage visitors (under 20 years old) and 179 people who tested positive in urine drug tests.
As a result, the “5 chiefs” (senior police officers) of Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station, responsible for the area, will be transferred. The National Police Chief will provide more details in a separate briefing. According to police regulations, if an arrest occurs in a police jurisdiction, the top 5 commanders must take responsibility. They are expected to be reassigned to the Provincial Police Region 1 headquarters.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior is investigating whether the administrative authorities received prior intelligence about the raid. If no prior notice was given, administrative officers may also face transfer.
When asked if the operation was a joint force between administrative officers and police or only administrative officers, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham said he was unsure. Regarding joint forces, police typically are not transferred for such operations, but those responsible will face disciplinary action according to regulations.
He confirmed that the transfer of the 5 commanders and the district chief is underway and that the policy was communicated yesterday. Whether the district chief will be assigned temporarily to the Department of Provincial Administration will be decided after official orders are issued. (TNA)
