Samut Prakan mayor Chonsawas Asavahame yesterday denied eight charges related to a May 20 driving incident that include the illegal detention of a police officer.

He reported to Makkasan police where he was fingerprinted, informed of the charges, interviewed for approximately one hour and released. There is no arrest warrant.

Late last Sunday, police at a New Phetchaburi Road checkpoint stopped Chonsawas after he was observed driving erratically. Two aides and three women, including two well-known models, accompanied him.

Chonsawas refused to submit to a breath-alcohol test. Police said the aides then assaulted Sergeant Prarob Saengnil.

Metropolitan Police Maj-General Manit Wongsomboon said Chonsawas was informed of the eight charges.

"Though he is a son of well-known politician, I'm not worried. I'm certain we have enough evidence to charge him," said Manit.

Chonsawas said he would report again to police in seven days. He will produce evidence in his defence including a security video.

He faces up to three years in jail and a Bt6,000 fine if convicted.

Meanwhile, the models, sisters Anchalee and Yossawadee Hassadeewijit, have been charged with brawling.

They told a news conference yesterday they had only defended themselves.

They are alleged to have fought with Napassanant Possawong, the daughter of a well-known gold shop owner at a Thong Lor restaurant on the same night.

Napassanant alleged to Thong Lor police she was assaulted by the sisters. Chonsawas was at the restaurant.

Anchalee admitted her involvement but said it was in defence of her sister, who was about to be struck by Napassanant.

Anchalee showed a "discourteous message" she claimed Napassanant sent to her mobile telephone.

Chonsawas denied involvement in the fight.