Trat, February 16th, 2025 – A Region 2 police officer, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Ekaphot, crashed a police patrol car into a utility pole in Mueang District, Trat, toppling one pole and sustaining injuries. Upon inspection, authorities discovered untaxed cigarettes inside the vehicle.
Ekaphot has been suspended pending a disciplinary investigation and now faces charges under the Excise and Customs Acts. Currently hospitalized, he will be formally charged once discharged, according to the police.
Authorities revealed that Ekaphot had a history of similar offenses during his time at Khlong Yai Police Station, where he faced disciplinary actions before being transferred to Region 2. Despite his transfer, he maintained ties to Khlong Yai, where his family resides.
His presence in Trat coincided with the local elections for the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), raising suspicions that he was smuggling cigarettes while visiting the area.
Officials also noted that the patrol car was accessed using a duplicate key. Police leadership has assured that no leniency or special privileges will be granted due to his status as an officer.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
