Police Officer Vanishes After Drug Use Caught on Training Video
A Thalae Noi police officer was caught using drugs during an online training session in Phatthalung and disappeared before submitting to a drug test, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and consider criminal charges.
On August 14, 2026, following an incident during an online training course held by Region 9 Provincial Police on August 10, authorities conducted drug screening tests at Thalae Noi Police Station in Phatthalung province. The training, which covered professional development for police sergeants and assistant commanders, was attended by 259 officers via Zoom. During the session, a junior officer from Thalae Noi Station was observed using drugs on camera, prompting other participants to report the matter to their superiors.
Police Major General Chaovalit Liaangsupong, Phatthalung Provincial Deputy Commander, led a team including Region 9 officials and local public health officers in conducting urine tests on all Thalae Noi Station personnel. Initial screening found no trace of drugs in any samples, but the officer in question failed to report for testing and has since disappeared.
Police Major General Chaovalit stated that the officer has not reported to work for three days and cannot be contacted. A provincial investigation team was dispatched to his home but found no sign of him, suggesting he may have fled. Chaovalit expressed confidence the officer is a drug user and vowed to pursue a swift investigation and disciplinary action up to termination, along with criminal prosecution if warranted. He also addressed a junior officer's recent comment that police drug use is "normal," stating that law enforcement officials must distinguish right from wrong and warning the officer accordingly.
