Deputy Education Minister Supports Waitress in Police Misconduct Case

Deputy Education Minister Akkranun dispatched legal support staff from the Education Ministry and counsel to assist a 20-year-old student waitress who was allegedly harassed by a police officer, providing testimony to a disciplinary committee. In May 2569, a hot pot restaurant owner in Ladyai subdistrict, Mueang Kanchanaburi district, released closed-circuit footage exposing a vice-sergeant at Mueang Kanchanaburi police station for alleged misconduct against the young employee. Provincial Police Commander Phetchawee Ruangphu ordered an investigation, leading to the formation of a disciplinary committee.

On August 1, 2569, at Dan Makham Tia police station in Kanchanaburi, Captain Suphap Sinarak, deputy commander and chair of the disciplinary inquiry, questioned the victim, restaurant owner, and manager as witnesses. The victim and witnesses were accompanied by Bhumiphong Jongsukul, advisor to Deputy Education Minister Akkranun Kannakittinanth; Sirisak Kannakupt, legal counsel; Akkranun Pongpattana Potthongkham, director of the Kanchanaburi Bar Association's legal aid center; and Education Ministry officials to ensure fair proceedings.

The committee spent over one hour interviewing the three witnesses. The victim submitted copies of the closed-circuit footage as evidence. Captain Suphap stated that testimony aligned with the allegations and that the gathered information would be compiled for further action. Bhumiphong disclosed that Deputy Education Minister Akkranun had instructed him to monitor the case to ensure fair treatment for all parties, and that proceedings would continue until justice is served. Criminal investigators at Ladyai police station are collecting evidence to submit findings to the station commander for prosecution.