Caught on camera: Thai official refuses pat down, assaults staff

Suvarnabhumi Airport superintendent Colonel Nattanan Nanasombat said Sombat Chatchaiwaiyawit, 55, had seven days to respond to the summons.

"If he does not report to police, we will issue an arrest warrant for him," Nattanan said.

Meanwhile, after viewing the clip, Customs Department's director-general Somchai Poonsawat has ordered that Sombat be transferred out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Sombat led a customs unit responsible for crackdowns on contraband and narcotics.

Somchai also ordered an investigation into the incident and expects results in 30 days.

"If found guilty, he will face action in line with the Office of Civil Service Commission's rules," he said.

The clip showed Sombat walking through a security checkpoint on January 8, but refusing to be patted down after a security alarm beeped. Sombat was then seen whacking security officer Sirichai Maichum, 33, in the ear with both his hands. The senior official then pointed to his badge and the junior officer was seen bowing apologetically.