Navy chief Adm Somprasong Nilsamai has denounced the conduct of a naval officer accused of putting cameras in women’s bathrooms at his office, and a committee has seen been set up to launch a disciplinary investigation.
The move followed news reports that a group of 23 women on Jan 10 filed complaints at Phu Taluang police station in Sattahip district of Chon Buri province. The complaints alleged the naval officer, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, placed cameras in women’s bathrooms.
V/Adm Pokkrong Manathatphalin, the Royal Thai Navy spokesman, said on Thursday the incident was exposed on Jan 7 when staff members were repairing the electrical system. They found two cameras hidden in the ceiling of a women’s bathroom at an agency under the Navy.
An investigation found that the cameras were attached to a computer belonging to LCdr Kiarttikorn Mangkhang, 54, in the information technology section of Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital, said the spokesman.
An examination of the officer's computer revealed video clips of women using the restrooms dating back to 2015, said V/Adm Pokkrong.
The agency to which LCdr Kiarttikorn is assigned has set up a fact-finding committee looking into the matter. The officer has been detained for fear he might intimidate victims or interfere with evidence during the investigation, he said.
The initial investigation found the officer was guilty as accused. The probe committee said LCdr Kiarttikorn’s action had violated the law and tarnished the Navy’s reputation.
The Navy has set up a committee to conduct a serious disciplinary investigation of the officer and the results would be known soon, he said.
Navy chief Somprasong Nilsamai has denounced the conduct of the naval officer and vowed to punish him, said the spokesman.