Four soldiers have been sent to a military prison for terms from 15 to 60 days for their involvement in smuggling untaxed liquor worth more than 4 million baht in Hat Yai.
The 4th Army Support Command recently signed an order to take military disciplinary action against the four for improper conduct relating to the seizure of the liquor from a military truck. The four are Capt Chaliew Tak-nguleum, Sgt Yutthaya Mekbangwan, Sgt Sunate Onklian and Sgt Niran Mekchai.
Capt Chaliew was jailed for 15 days, from Dec 16-31. The three others were jailed for 60 days, from Dec 16 to Feb 14. The order was signed on Dec 16 by Col Ekkapol Thavornyuthitham, acting commander of the 4th Army Support Command.
The action followed the seizure of untaxed liquor worth 4 million baht from a truck bearing a military plate at a PTT petrol station in tambon Khlong Hae in Hat Yai, Songkhla on Dec 14.
Customs officials discovered in the back of the truck more than 300 bottles of smuggled liquor including Johnnie Walker whisky, along with wine. The bottles were concealed in paper crates wrapped in black plastic bags. They did not find the truck's driver.