Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has clarified that three intoxicated men who assaulted a temple worker during a Kathin ceremony were not their officials but hired gardeners. The incident occurred in Khao Saming District, Trat Province, and involved the men falsely claiming to be ONCB officers.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the ONCB, has called for an urgent investigation into the matter. Initial findings indicate that the individuals were not affiliated with the ONCB, but were garden workers from another area. The assault happened after the men, who had been drinking, were cautioned about their noise level, leading to their aggressive behavior. The gardeners' employers have since reached out to the local community to mediate and apologize to the affected residents.
The ONCB, under the Ministry of Justice, has emphasized that it has no connection to the incident. To prevent future impersonations, the ONCB has outlined the features of their official identification cards. These cards are mandatory for ONCB officers on duty and include a photo in uniform, name, position, affiliation, and legal authority. The cards have color-coded envelopes: maroon for police officers, blue for civil servants and soldiers, and grey/silver for ONCB officials.