An investigation has been launched after a police officer was allegedly caught using methamphetamine during an online training session attended by hundreds of fellow officers.
The incident came to light after a virtual training programme organised by Provincial Police Region 9 on Monday for 259 police officers ranging from squad leaders to deputy superintendents.
According to reports, participants spotted a police senior sergeant major attached to Talay Noi police station in Khuan Khanun district of Phatthalung behaving inappropriately on camera during the Zoom-based session.
Disturbed by the apparent misconduct, several officers reported the incident to their superiors and notified local media.
Pol Maj Gen Chaowalit Liangsupong, commander of Phatthalung provincial police, said he ordered Talay Noi police station to urgently investigate the matter after learning of the allegations through online media.
If the allegations are found to be true, the officer will face the most severe disciplinary measures available under police regulations, he said.
Reporters who travelled to Talay Noi police station were unable to speak with station chief Pol Col Rangsi Manjit, who was attending a separate training programme.
A police source at the station said the officer at the centre of the controversy had not been seen since the incident emerged and did not attend a workshop at the Region 9 Police Training Centre in Yala on Thursday.
Attempts by fellow officers and reporters to contact him for comment were unsuccessful. Colleagues also declined to answer questions about whether he had a history of involvement with narcotics.
In a statement issued later, Phatthalung provincial police confirmed that the individual seen in the widely shared clip was an officer attached to Talay Noi police station.
The force said an inquiry committee had been appointed to investigate the incident, with both criminal and disciplinary action to follow if misconduct is confirmed.
The officer previously served in Trang before transferring to Talay Noi police station about two years ago, according to local media reports. The reports alleged that he had been involved in drug use and had pawned a service firearm and an official vehicle without facing disciplinary action.