The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has issued an apology after a video clip showing a group of police officers acting inappropriately with a woman singing in a bikini during a party went viral.
Police yesterday confirmed that the footage was taken at a barbecue restaurant on Praset Manukit Road in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district.
MPB spokesman, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaengek, held a press conference yesterday to apologise to the public.
He said the group consisted of officers from Metropolitan Police Division 2. They were partying on April 23 after completing a training course, he said.
"Although the party was being hosted outside of working hours, there was some inappropriate behaviour that could damage the image of the police," he said.
In the clip, the officers can be seen drinking and dancing with the woman. Some of them gave tips to the dancer by tucking banknotes into her top. The men wore polo shirts with their department badges on their chests. On their table, alcoholic drinks can be seen next to some food. None of them wore a face mask.
Pol Maj Gen Jirasan said the MPB will set up a panel to look into the matter and decide whether the officers should be punished.
"We would like to apologise to the public for the group's inappropriate actions," Pol Maj Gen Atthaphon Anusit, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 2 said, adding he will be in charge of the case and will report the results of the probe to the MPB within seven days.