Lampang: A training instructor at the Police Training Center of Region 5 has been dismissed following an incident where police cadets were subjected to prolonged disciplinary measures, resulting in several cadets losing consciousness and requiring hospitalization. The incident has prompted an investigation into the practices at the training center, where cadets were punished for four consecutive days and nights.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident came to light after a police cadet posted a message on social media criticizing the training center’s restrictions on phone usage, despite the prevalence of online crimes requiring technological proficiency. The post, which questioned the outdated policies of the center, spurred comments and discussions among fellow cadets. This led to the entire class being subjected to a discipline session, lasting from October 20 to October 24, culminating in several cadets requiring medical attention.

The Police Training Center Region 5’s acting commander, Pol. Col. Su
riyak Wutthi, confirmed that while phone use is generally permitted, restrictions are in place during classes and in dormitories to prevent disturbances. In response to the incident, four trainers have been reassigned pending an investigation, to ensure similar occurrences are avoided in the future.

Three cadets who were hospitalized recounted their experiences, citing exhaustion and fear of reprimand as reasons for not reporting their physical distress to instructors. The cadets described the physical training as strenuous, leading to their collapse. The Police Training Center of Region 5 issued a statement acknowledging the disciplinary measures and subsequent medical issues, attributing the symptoms to hyperventilation syndrome.

Pol. Col. Krirkkamol Yaemprayoon, MD, from the Police General Hospital, explained that hyperventilation syndrome is common among young adults and can cause symptoms such as rapid breathing, dizziness, and faintness. While the symptoms can appear severe, they are not life-threaten
ing. The Police Training Center has initiated a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and has transferred the trainers involved to the operations center during the inquiry.

The incident has raised questions about training methods and cadet welfare at the Police Training Center of Region 5, prompting calls for a reassessment of disciplinary practices and the provision of adequate medical and emotional support for cadets.