Deputy police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Songpol Wattanachai said on Monday that Pol Senior Sergeant Major Chalad Naen-udon is charged with official dishonestly in not exercising his duties and reckless actions resulting in the escape of the detainees at 4am on May 20.

A CCTV recording showed the girlfriends aged 18 and 21 visiting, kissing and hugging the two suspects – identified as Surasak Khanthamat and Surachai Phumipak – before they all escaped from the cell.

The video went viral and drew criticism against the officer’s action.

Authorities are still searching for the escaped men and their girlfriends.