Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has clarified the situation concerning the circulation of a photo showing soldiers allegedly taking drugs, stating that the images are from a 2022 incident.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident in question involved military officers from the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, Prasert Songkhram Camp, located in Roi Et Province. The image, which recently resurfaced on social media through a post by the Facebook account 'Nitchanan Wangkahat Nam Nichanan', depicted a man with short hair, whose face was not clearly visible, appearing to engage in drug use. The post also alleged illegal drug sales within a military camp in Thailand's Northeastern region.
The Army clarified that the image was originally captured as part of an operation to arrest soldiers who were illicitly using drugs. This operation led to disciplinary measures being taken against those involved, resulting in their discharge from military service by 2023. The Army emphasized that the photo was evidence used during the disciplinary process.
The Royal Thai Army underscored its ongoing commitment to preventing and suppressing drug use within its ranks. Strict protocols have been established to inspect and penalize personnel who violate these policies, ensuring discipline is maintained within military units. The Army also urged the public to scrutinize the information they receive carefully and to refrain from spreading misleading or inaccurate details that could lead to confusion or misrepresentation of the facts.