Thai Police Lieutenant Colonel Suspended Over Alleged Armed Robbery of Cannabis Shop in Pathum Thani
en01.web.id – Thailand. Thai police have suspended a mid-ranking officer holding the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel, identified by the initial Khak, after he was allegedly involved in an armed robbery at a legal cannabis shop in Pathum Thani Province. The case is being handled through both criminal and disciplinary procedures as it involves an active-duty police officer.
The robbery occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, at a licensed cannabis shop located in Pathum Thani. During the incident, a group of suspects arrived at the scene using vehicles and carrying firearms. The perpetrators ambushed the shop attendant and made off with approximately 800,000 baht in cash and more than 100 kilograms of cannabis before fleeing the scene.
Head of the Pathum Thani Provincial Police Investigation Bureau, Police Major General Surasak Phetcharat, said preliminary findings indicate the crime was carefully planned.
“The suspects had detailed knowledge of the location, operating hours, and the items stored inside the shop. This was not a spontaneous crime,” Surasak said in an official statement on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
As the investigation progressed, police discovered that Police Lieutenant Colonel Khak had taken three days of official leave immediately prior to the incident. This fact has drawn serious attention from investigators, as the leave is suspected to have been used to facilitate involvement in the robbery without formal ties to police duties at the time.
According to police, the suspects used the threat of firearms to quickly take control of the situation. The takeover of the premises lasted only a short time, after which the group collected the cash and cannabis and escaped using vehicles that had been prepared in advance.
So far, five individuals have been named as suspects in the case, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Khak. Investigators believe the officer did not act as a direct perpetrator at the scene, but instead played a role in planning, selecting the target, and coordinating the operation by exploiting his experience and knowledge as a police officer.
Royal Thai Police spokesperson Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong emphasized that the institution will not protect officers who violate the law.
“We have suspended the officer from his position. Criminal proceedings and internal disciplinary investigations will proceed simultaneously and transparently,” Achayon said.
The case has drawn national attention as it occurred amid the rapid growth of Thailand’s legal cannabis industry. Police have stated they will strengthen oversight of cannabis businesses and tighten internal controls to prevent the involvement of state officials in criminal activities that could undermine public trust.
Tim Redaksi
(rd/ks/jk)