Two immigration officers in Chon Buri are facing disciplinary action for allowing a South Korean drug suspect to livestream while in police custody, according to Immigration Bureau spokesman Pol Maj Gen Cherngron Rimpadee.
The incident came to light when images of Seo Jung Num, 44, were broadcast from a smartphone as he was being transported to Bangkok for deportation. Seo is wanted in South Korea for drug trafficking and was arrested in Chon Buri on October 3 for overstaying his visa by 373 days.
After being fined 3,000 baht and receiving a suspended sentence from the Pattaya court, Seo was held in custody while arrangements were made for his return to South Korea. He was moved from the Pattaya court to Bang Lamung police station and then to an immigration detention center in Bangkok.
On Tuesday, while still in custody, Seo livestreamed photos and videos of himself from the vehicle en route to Bangkok. He was under the watch of two Chon Buri immigration officers, Sub-Lt Pramote Fueangfung and Sgt Athit Thongbai. Pol Maj Gen Cherngron emphasized that all detainees, particularly those involved in drug-related offenses, must be closely monitored, irrespective of court rulings.
The two officers have been suspended pending an investigation into their actions.
Livestreaming Incident
South Korean media, including Maeil and JTBC, reported that Seo used the livestream to discuss his experiences in Thai police custody while promoting his YouTube channel. In the video, he was seen smoking a cigarette and thanking his followers for their support, which he claimed boosted his morale.
He shared scenic views of Pattaya beach, humorously suggesting that the beauty of the surroundings tempted him to escape, and encouraged viewers to like and subscribe to his channel. The livestream lasted for one hour and 36 minutes.
Seo also referred to himself as “the richest man in Thailand” and described the conditions in Thai prisons as more restrictive than those in other countries. He claimed to have maintained communication while detained by using a phone, which he alleged was made possible by paying a bribe.
