The airport security officer speaks out.

Mr Sombat came through the ordinary passenger channel with his VIP group but he refused to submit to a body pat-down, Mr Sirichai said. "He shouted very loudly: "You have no right to check me' and showed me his customs officer's card," Mr Sirichai said. "I felt scared. I said I was sorry and moved backwards but he walked towards me and thumped my ears until a woman in the VIP group told him to stop." "I feel staggered by what happened," Mr Sirichai said. "I feel uncomfortable this has turned into such a big incident. I don't know what to do, and am not sure whether I can continue to work at the airport," he said.

The security officer has been the hospital. Doctors said his left eardrum was ruptured. He says he has earache and experiences ringing in his right ear.

The security officer has been to the police. Pol Col Nathanant said Mr Sombat (the customs officer) must report to the police by Jan 18 so he can be informed about any charges to be laid against him.

Mr Sirichai said his supervisor had told him that the customs officer had made contact, asking if he could negotiate.

According to the morning news, the old man(Sombat) asked his superior not to form a committee to look into the matter as he wants to retire in dignity but unfortunately his superior is ignoring his request .