Man in “Udon Police” shirt seen assaulting rescue volunteer was air-con technician, police say

UDON THANI — A man accused of assaulting a twin rescue volunteer while he was helping an accident victim was not a police officer but an air-conditioner technician who played football with local police, according to Udon Thani police.

Pol. Col. Phatthana Wong Chanphon, chief of Muang Udon Thani Police Station, said preliminary checks found that the man was not a member of the police force. He reportedly wore a sports shirt marked “Udon Police” because he joined football activities with officers. He also allegedly claimed to investigators that he was a Border Patrol Police officer.

Police are preparing to summon the man to acknowledge charges on Friday. The two 22-year-old rescue volunteers, twins Boss and Boat from the Sam Phrao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation’s rescue team, will be called for further questioning next Tuesday.

The incident occurred at around 00:30 on 13 October at the Sam Phrao intersection in Muang district, where the volunteers had gone to assist an unconscious accident victim.

The twins alleged that a man driving a white sedan arrived at the scene and argued with them. They said he knocked off a helmet, pulled at a face covering and struck one of them around the neck and back of the head. They also alleged that the man slapped a volunteer in the face while they were carrying out their duties.

The case came to public attention after the twins sought help through the Facebook page “Hia Piak Chuai Duay” and filed a police complaint. They also underwent medical examinations and said they had video footage that could support their case.

The volunteers said they had tried to remain calm and avoid a confrontation because they were helping an injured person.

They said they were no longer seeking financial compensation or simply an apology, but wanted the man to take responsibility, offer a sincere apology and face the legal process.

Police said they would gather further statements and evidence before proceeding in accordance with the law. The allegations remain subject to investigation.