‘Soldier’ seen with PM at pub fire exposed

Man faces four charges including impersonating a public official

PUBLISHED : 16 Jul 2026 at 14:16

A uniformed man who made his way into the inner circle of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the scene of Sunday’s fatal pub fire in Bangkok is facing charges that include impersonating a public official, police said on Wednesday.

Chitapong “Muad Nut” Khattapong met on Thursday with investigators at the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) after photos and video circulated showing him wearing a military-style uniform and moving freely within the restricted operational area outside the Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub in Chatuchak district.

He also gave interviews to the media while presenting himself as an official, with police later alleging that some of the information he provided was false.

Before entering the police station, Mr Chitapong briefly spoke with the social media personality Gun Jompalang. The suspect claimed he had been playing airsoft (BB gun) before heading to the fire scene and had not changed clothes because his long-sleeved shirt and trousers offered better protection against heat and potential hazards.

Mr Chitapong meets the media with activist Guntouch “Gun Jompalang” Pongpaiboonwet before meeting with the police. (Photo: Gun Jompalang)

Mr Chitapong said he was not a government official but a volunteer with the Civil Defence Volunteer Corps, which operates under the Interior Ministry. He said that once he learned about the fire through a Line group he immediately travelled to the scene to assist victims.

He declined to answer further questions from reporters on Thursday before meeting investigators.

Pol Col Sarawut Butdee, superintendent of the Investigation Division at the MPB, said the suspect contacted police himself after seeing media reports about the incident and surrendered voluntarily.

Police have filed four charges against Mr Chitapong:

Using a radio communication device without authorisation.

Falsely presenting himself as a public official and performing duties without legal authority.

Disseminating false information that caused public alarm, based on statements he made during media interviews.

Possessing military equipment without permission, pending forensic examination of the ballistic vest he wore at the scene. If the vest is confirmed to be genuine military issue, an additional offence will be pursued.

Mr Chitapong claims to have worked at several government agencies and military-related organisations in the past, including the Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, the Senate Secretariat Committee Office 2, the Territorial Defence School, the 3rd Cavalry Battalion of the 1st King’s Guard Cavalry Regiment, and the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) in Bangkok.

Mr Chitapong from his time serving in politics. (Photo: Gun Jompalang)

He also lists experience in both the public and private sectors, including roles as a senator’s assistant, committee secretary, operations manager, training manager and personnel development officer.

In politics, he previously ran for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council in Phaya Thai district under the Krungthep Bin Dai (Bangkok Can Fly) group. He received 572 votes.

Because Mr Chitapong voluntarily presented himself to investigators, police said he would be released without bail after the charges were formally acknowledged and preliminary procedures completed, pending further legal action.