BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - An overzealous policeman inadvertently interrupted a street theater play in the capital when he tackled an actor posing as a purse-snatcher.
The play was part of a campaign to encourage people injured while performing good deeds to ask for assistance from the government's Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, the Bangkok Post reported Sunday.
But when police Sgt-Maj. Chairat Khaengsarikorn heard a woman's cries for help after a man stole her purse, he tackled the thief, who was actually local actor Nares Buaket, said the Post.
``I didn't know it was a play,'' said Chairat, on hand to provide security for Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana, who was presiding over Saturday's event. ``I just heard a woman calling for help. I tried to hold him but he resisted. So I had to hurt him.''
Nutcharee Pliensangsri, the head of the company which produced the mini-drama, was quoted as saying the actors were well-rehearsed, ``But I didn't expect it to be so real.''