Man Claiming to Be Special Colonel Demands Free Meal at Popular Restaurant, Gets Arrested
A man claiming to be a special colonel refused to pay a 600-baht bill at a Nakhon Ratchasima restaurant on May 25, saying he was friends with high-ranking officials; police arrested him after finding no record of his military rank.
On May 25, 2025, police received a complaint from a restaurant owner in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province about a customer named Thongpoon (surname withheld), 42, who dined and drank at the establishment from early evening until 11:30 p.m. When staff presented a bill for approximately 600 baht, the man claimed to be a civil servant holding the rank of special colonel, stating his home was near Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's residence and that he was friends with several high-ranking police officers. He demanded a free meal, but the restaurant refused, explaining they needed to cover operating costs. The man simply sat smoking and refused to pay, so staff called Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station.
Police traffic officers arrived and brought the man to the station for questioning. Investigation revealed no record of anyone named Thongpoon ever serving as a special colonel. Police will investigate whether he has used this deception at other establishments and will proceed with fraud charges under Article 345 of the Criminal Code.
