Deputy Police Chief Defends Self in Reporter Assault Case
A deputy police chief in Khon Kaen reassigned after allegedly assaulting a journalist has defended himself on Facebook, claiming the reporter provoked the confrontation and urging media to verify facts before publishing.
On August 9, 2025, a 42-year-old local journalist and member of the Khon Kaen provincial press network reported being assaulted by a deputy police chief at Ban Phai police station, sustaining a broken eyebrow requiring 12 stitches. Following the incident, Khon Kaen provincial police issued an order reassigning the deputy chief to the provincial police operation center, effective immediately.
The deputy chief has now posted a response on his personal Facebook account, stating: "Maybe I wanted to speak up too. It's just as frustrating. How much patience can a person have when someone comes to fight face-to-face? There has to be a limit. But before judging anyone or presenting their story, shouldn't we ask for the facts first? Don't just see the word 'police' and then write, sell, or create a narrative based on your own understanding without verifying the facts."
He continued: "Police officers aren't on duty 24 hours a day. After work hours, we're ordinary people like everyone else. Before publishing anything, please verify information thoroughly, because once it spreads, can the damage be undone? Likes, followers, and page revenue may increase, but if someone's reputation and dignity are lost, they can't easily be restored. Check who provided the information, their background, whether there's evidence, and whether the story is fact or merely allegation. Don't just think 'I posted it, I got paid for the news.' Before hitting publish on someone else's story, think about the person who will suffer the consequences."
