The 4th Army is investigating a heated quarrel which broke out between Trang's governor and a sergeant who captured public attention for breaking curfew to take care of his ailing mother.
Despite public reaction on social media, Sgt Major 1st Class Phirasak Champa, an officer attached to Thepsatri Sisunthon camp of the 5th Infantry Division based in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Thung Song district, was detained for 45 days for his actions.
4th Army chief Lt Gen Phonsak Phunsawat, who supervises the southern region, is looking into the controversy and "thanked all sides for sincerely reflecting their thoughts on the issue", said Col Pramote Prom-in, 4th army's spokesman and the chief's aide de camp said yesterday.
Investigators will listen to all opinions in order to come up with "appropriate actions" against the officer, Col Pramote said.
SM1 Phirasak left the military camp on Friday night for his home in Trang's Ratsada district to look after his bedridden mother, but he was stopped at a checkpoint, where his defiance led to a quarrel with the Trang governor, who was doing his inspection rounds.
His detention order was issued by the 5th Infantry Division's aide-de-camp Col Aphinan Chaemchaeng, who also ordered him to report to the 4th Army for disciplinary training after his release.
His commander, Maj Likhit Chaday, has also been transferred to an inactive post.
As for his mother, "military doctors will take good care of her", Col Pramote said.
"4th Army soldiers must stay in line with the law, and the incident must not lead to a conflict in the camp."
