The Public Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) will look into accusations that one of its officers assaulted a Police General Hospital doctor in Chiang Mai at the weekend.
PACC's justice affairs specialist, Sanchai "Peck" Engtrakul -- who is also the husband of actress and TV presenter Tanyaret "Tanya" Engtrakul -- allegedly hit Piyapong Sudsakornyen, a doctor at the hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine, at a wedding party at 10pm on Saturday.
Dr Piyapong reported the attack to Doi Saket police in Chiang Mai later that night. He said Mr Sanchai had smacked him in his face but he did not fight back.
PACC secretary-general Prayong Preeyajit said Tuesday Lt Sanchai has worked for the PACC since 2012, when he was transferred from the Department of Special Investigation. He is the well-known son of former Customs Department chief Somjainuek Engtrakul.
While at the PACC, he has worked on contract with the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC).
He was under contract with them until Sept 30 this year. According to Mr Prayong, Lt Sanchai was supposed to report back to the PACC the following day, but he failed to turn up, which can be considered malpractice.
Lt Sanchai instead submitted his resignation to the office last Wednesday.
Lt Sanchai has now called for his resignation to take effect as of tomorrow. "But he is still considered on duty until his resignation is approved," the PACC chief said, adding the PACC plans to launch an investigation over the alleged assault.
Asked whether Lt Sanchai's attack is deemed to be a disciplinary breach, Mr Prayong said the case is moving in that direction.
Meanwhile, media reports have said Lt Sanchai failed to work for the SBPAC in the southern region when he was transferred there.
But SBPAC secretary-general Phanu Uthairat said Lt Sanchai was mostly assigned to public relations campaigns, which can be done remotely.
"Peck several times helped work with Nok Air airlines to organise a series of activities for people in the three southern border provinces," Mr Phanu said.
"It is not necessary for the officer to stay at his desk. He regularly stays in contact with other agencies," he added.