Bangkok: A male parent received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for one year, and a fine of 22,000 baht after an incident involving a police officer outside St. Gabriel's School on Sam Sen Road. The confrontation occurred when the parent's car, parked for five minutes to drop off his child, had its wheel locked, leading to the parent insulting the officer and pushing over the officer's bicycle.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Chaiwut Chai-olarn, Superintendent of Samsen Metropolitan Police Station, reported that the incident happened during a period of heavy traffic. The traffic officer involved was performing his duties diligently and with patience. Following the incident, the parent was fined under the Land Traffic Act for obstructing traffic and failing to display a tax sign. Additional charges for insulting a police officer and damaging government property were filed, resulting in the court sentencing.
Furthermore, the court ordered the parent to repair the damaged government property at a cost of 10,000 baht. Authorities have advised the public to consider alternate routes during peak school hours to avoid similar issues, although they anticipate improved traffic conditions with the upcoming school holidays.
Pol. Gen. Korchai Klaiklueng, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, noted that he personally experiences the morning school drop-off routine, as his own child attends St. Gabriel's School. He emphasized the diligence of the police officers on duty and remarked on the affluence of many parents who frequent the school. Expressing humor, he mentioned his own apprehension about being apprehended by his subordinates during drop-offs.