Insurance Dispute Erupts into Violence at Bangkok Police Station

A dispute over an insurance claim for a vehicle accident turned violent at a police station in Bangkok's Sai Mai district on the evening of July 28, when a customer allegedly assaulted an insurance company employee. According to Pol. Col. Natthaphong Kiram, the Sai Mai Police Chief, the incident occurred around 7:06 p.m. after a customer arrived at Sai Mai Police Station with an insurance employee following a disagreement over a claim. The customer had filed a claim after an accident, but the insurance employee reportedly refused to immediately issue a claim document. The company questioned the timing of the policy purchase, which had allegedly been bought online only a few hours before the accident. They requested the customer first obtain a police record as evidence. Upon their arrival at the station, the customer allegedly became enraged, accusing the insurance employee of deliberately avoiding the issuance of the claim document. The customer then approached and punched the employee in the face before police officers intervened to separate the two. Following the commotion, the customer left the station and returned home. The injured insurance employee later filed a complaint for physical assault and was sent to a hospital for medical examination. Police have identified the suspect and are contacting him for a statement and to acknowledge the charges. Investigators are also looking into whether there were any prior arguments between the parties. Pol. Col. Natthaphong urged people to remain calm during disputes, emphasizing that such incidents should not occur within a police station. He also commended the officers for their swift action in controlling the situation and preventing further escalation. Information Source: Pattaya Mail