Speaking on FM 98.5 Spring Radio yesterday, RFD chief Chonlathit Surasawadee said the alleged incident happened in Saraburi and occurred after the driver got drunk and molested the female official in a room where all of the officials on the trip slept.

The woman called for help and escaped, Chonlathit said.

He said the case would be investigated in line with civil service procedures and could serve as an example that leads to safety improvements.

A source reported the alleged victim wanted to file a police complaint but was told by her female supervisor to keep the incident quiet to protect the agency’s reputation and also promised to fire the accused driver.

The source said the matter came to Chonlathit’s attention when RFD officials discussed it in a Line chat group.

The research official initially told an inquiry on Tuesday that there had been a misunderstanding but revealed the alleged incident in a one-on-one talk with Chonlathit, the source said.