Bangkok: A renowned female doctor is facing dismissal from government service following her arrest for allegedly ordering sleeping pills under false pretenses. Her involvement with a clinic suspected of illicit drug activities has prompted a serious disciplinary investigation, linked to previous allegations of ties with the Chinese mafia.

According to Thai News Agency, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration conducted an inspection of a clinic that ordered sleeping pills, uncovering connections to the doctor. A man, identified as a caretaker of a police flat room, was arrested, and evidence seized included sleeping pills packed in over 10 boxes. Investigators have initially identified a cash flow of over 80 million baht, with further links to transactions totaling more than 400 million baht.

The Royal Thai Police Office has launched a serious disciplinary inquiry. In 2022, a victim reported the doctor for accepting money to assist with visa extensions, a matter now in criminal court. The first instance court sentenced her to seven years in prison, though an appeal is underway. Despite an agreement reached with the victim, disciplinary proceedings continue. The Police General Hospital is organizing a meeting to deliberate on the disciplinary findings.

In the recent sleeping pills case, the investigation team has notified her employer, identifying the doctor as the primary suspect. Concerns about potential damage to the government have led to a recommendation for her temporary dismissal while a fact-finding committee investigates further. Should substantial evidence emerge, a serious disciplinary investigation committee will be convened.