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Gunfire Erupts in Northern Thai Forest as Military Clashes with Drug Caravan – 3 Killed Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A violent clash erupted along the Thai-Myanmar border early on the morning of 13 June, when soldiers from the Pha Muang Task Force encountered an armed drug trafficking group in the forested hills of Fang district, Chiang Mai province. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three suspected traffickers and the seizure of multiple sacks of narcotics. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363595-gunfire-erupts-in-northern-thai-forest-as-military-clashes-with-drug-caravan-–-3-killed/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A violent clash erupted along the Thai-Myanmar border early on the morning of 13 June, when soldiers from the Pha Muang Task Force encountered an armed drug trafficking group in the forested hills of Fang district, Chiang Mai province. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three suspected traffickers and the seizure of multiple sacks of narcotics. Acting on intelligence reports, troops from Company 3, Chaiyanupap Task Force, had been conducting an overnight patrol in Mon Pin subdistrict, Fang district. The area, located near a known drug smuggling route from Wa-controlled territory in Myanmar, had been flagged for increased surveillance. Initially, the patrol, which began on the evening of 12 June, yielded no signs of activity. However, as the soldiers were withdrawing to change positions early on 13 June, they spotted a group of six to eight individuals carrying heavy backpacks. When the troops signalled their intention to inspect the group, the suspects opened fire in an apparent attempt to flee. A fierce gun battle ensued, lasting around 10 minutes. Once the gunfire ceased, the soldiers confirmed that no members of their unit had been injured. Upon securing the area, they discovered three bodies, each still wearing large rucksacks. An additional six sacks believed to contain narcotics were also recovered, likely dropped by fleeing members of the group. A shotgun was found nearby. Authorities believe the group had crossed illegally from Myanmar via a route frequently used by drug traffickers attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into Thailand. The incident occurred in a dense forest area near Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, part of a rugged region that has long been exploited by traffickers due to its remote terrain and proximity to drug production zones. The Royal Thai Army has since intensified security along the border and coordinated with relevant agencies to continue sweeping the area in search of further contraband or suspects. Military sources report that the opposite side of the border, in Myanmar’s Shan State, hosts the headquarters of several Wa army battalions and other armed ethnic groups. These groups are suspected of facilitating the production and movement of narcotics into Thailand through a network of ethnic carriers, particularly from the Lahu community. Despite ongoing military efforts, the cross-border drug trade remains a persistent and dangerous challenge in Thailand’s northern provinces. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14

Drunk Man Killed by Train in Udon Thani Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 35-year-old man was killed after being struck by a train in Udon Thani late night on 12 June. The incident, which occurred near a railway crossing in the Na Kha area, left the victim’s body severely mutilated, with authorities suspecting he had been drinking before falling asleep on the tracks. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363594-drunk-man-killed-by-train-in-udon-thani/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 35-year-old man was killed after being struck by a train in Udon Thani late night on 12 June. The incident, which occurred near a railway crossing in the Na Kha area, left the victim’s body severely mutilated, with authorities suspecting he had been drinking before falling asleep on the tracks. Police Lieutenant Nathchanon Suetrong, deputy inspector at the Na Kha substation, received the report at approximately 23:30 from staff at Udon Thani Railway Station. Officers arrived on the scene with medical personnel from Udon Thani Central Hospital and rescue volunteers from the Udon Thani Dharma Rescue Foundation. The discovery was made near the Nong Dae railway crossing, close to a construction site linked to the Royal Flora Expo. Emergency teams found human remains strewn across a 200-metre stretch of track. A shattered liquor bottle, a white cap and other personal belongings were also recovered at the scene. The deceased was identified as Mr. Sathaporn Sukri, a 35-year-old local resident. Witness evidence and objects at the scene suggested that the victim may have been drinking alcohol while sitting on the track, eventually falling asleep and failing to wake up in time to avoid the oncoming train. Police have made an official record of the incident and are coordinating with Udon Thani Railway Station to interview the train driver and investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the death. The body has been transferred to Udon Thani Central Hospital, where it will be held until the victim’s family can make funeral arrangements. Authorities are treating the death as an accident but are continuing their inquiries to determine whether further action is needed. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14

8-Year-Old Girl Dies Just 100 Metres from School in Samut Prakan Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An eight-year-old girl has died following a road crash in Phra Pradaeng district, just moments before reaching her school. The incident involved a motorcycle carrying a family of four that collided with a car allegedly making a sudden right turn across their path. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363592-8-year-old-girl-dies-just-100-metres-from-school-in-samut-prakan/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. An eight-year-old girl has died following a road crash in Phra Pradaeng district, just moments before reaching her school. The incident involved a motorcycle carrying a family of four that collided with a car allegedly making a sudden right turn across their path. Police Lieutenant Kornkrit Kanchanasen, deputy investigator at Phra Pradaeng Police Station, was alerted to the crash on the morning of 13 June. The collision occurred on Song Tham Road near the Lat Pho Health Park clock tower junction. Emergency services, including rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and medics from Bangchak Hospital, rushed to the scene. They found an unconscious girl, later identified as Miss “Bee” aged 8, lying face down on the road in a pink floral school blouse and blue school skirt. She was unresponsive and in critical condition. Her mother, 38-year-old Ms. Patcharin, suffered abrasions and was also taken to hospital. Both were urgently transferred to Bangpakok Samut Prakan Hospital, but Miss Bee later succumbed to her injuries. Nearby, authorities found the family’s damaged black Honda Forza motorbike. The driver, Mr. Chantras, 40, father of the deceased, was uninjured but visibly shaken. Also at the scene was his 16-year-old son, still in school uniform and in tears. Roughly 40 metres away, a black Honda City sedan with damage to the left-side passenger doors was found parked with hazard lights on. The driver, 57-year-old Mr. Kampanat from Nong Bua Lamphu province, remained at the scene in shock and cooperated with police. According to eyewitnesses, including 40-year-old Ms. Chotika, the motorcycle had four passengers: the young girl seated in front, her father driving, her older brother in the middle, and the mother on the back. The family had just left Bang Ko Bua and were en route to Wat Song Tham School, only 100 metres away. Witnesses and initial reports indicate the car had emerged from a nearby market and was attempting to make a right turn towards Phra Pradaeng Pier, allegedly cutting across the path of the oncoming motorcycle travelling straight. The sudden manoeuvre gave the motorbike rider no time to avoid a collision. Mr. Chantras confirmed they had departed from Phra Pradaeng and were moments from dropping the children off at school when the vehicle turned directly in front of them. Police documented the scene and have summoned both drivers for formal statements at Phra Pradaeng Police Station. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the precise cause of the crash and will proceed with legal action as appropriate. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14

UPDATE No Bomb Found on Air India Flight in Phuket – One Passenger Declines to Continue Journey Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. The Director of Phuket International Airport, Mr Monchai Tanon, has confirmed that no evidence of a bomb was found on board Air India flight AI 379, which was forced to make an emergency landing earlier today following the discovery of a threatening message mid-flight. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363544-air-india-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-phuket-after-bomb-threat/#findComment-19869462

UPDATE No Bomb Found on Air India Flight in Phuket – One Passenger Declines to Continue Journey Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. The Director of Phuket International Airport, Mr Monchai Tanon, has confirmed that no evidence of a bomb was found on board Air India flight AI 379, which was forced to make an emergency landing earlier today following the discovery of a threatening message mid-flight. The aircraft, en route from Phuket to New Delhi, was diverted back to Phuket after a note suggesting a bomb threat was found in the aircraft’s lavatory. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) instructed the plane to park at a designated isolated stand (Bay 99) to allow for a thorough investigation. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel conducted detailed searches of all passengers, their belongings and the interior of the aircraft. No suspicious items or explosive materials were discovered. Mr Monchai stated that authorities have been unable to determine who wrote the bomb threat message, as closed-circuit cameras are only installed in the front cabin of the aircraft and not in the lavatories, where the message was discovered. This lack of surveillance meant there was insufficient evidence to detain or prevent any passenger from continuing their journey. The captain of the Air India flight opted to continue and proceed with the flight to New Delhi, following clearance from authorities. However, one passenger chose not to continue the journey and disembarked in Phuket. The aircraft finally departed again at16:28. Officials have stressed that all necessary safety protocols were followed and there remains no ongoing threat related to the incident. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-13

CCTV of the incident

Video of the aircraft at Phuket Airport

Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Phuket After Bomb Threat

Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Phuket After Bomb Threat File picture of the Airbus A320 Neo.VT-TQA An Air India flight en route from Phuket to Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing on the morning of 13 June, after a bomb threat message was discovered during the flight. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363544-air-india-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-phuket-after-bomb-threat/

File picture of the Airbus A320 Neo.VT-TQA An Air India flight en route from Phuket to Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing on the morning of 13 June, after a bomb threat message was discovered during the flight. Flight AI379, carrying 156 passengers, had departed from Phuket International Airport, at 09:30. The pilot reported the discovery of a suspicious message threatening a bomb on board. Upon receiving the alert, the captain immediately coordinated with aviation authorities and requested permission to return to Phuket. Flight path courtesy of flightaware. Airports of Thailand (AOT) were officially notified as the plane requested to return to Phuket. The Airport Contingency Plan (ACP), Bomb Threat Procedures, was promptly activated. Emergency response units were swiftly deployed as per established safety protocols. Phuket International Airport officials confirmed the plane landed at 11:38 and the plane was moved to the designated secure area, Bay 99. All passengers were safely disembarked and transferred by bus, to a designated Passenger Holding Area at Gates 81–82. Airport operations were continuing under heightened security. Aircraft parked for inspection at Phuket Airport. A full inspection of the aircraft was initiated upon landing, with bomb disposal experts and emergency services on standby. Video of aircraft on approach to Phuket Airport. AOT stated that preparations had been made across all relevant departments to ensure a swift and safe response. Authorities are now investigating the origin and credibility of the threat. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-13

So do you think the police are lying, or the fact is that a scam gang probably had multiple accounts and cards.

UPDATE Latest update from Air India This is the latest update released by the airline. “Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital. The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin. Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones. A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.” Ground casualties. India’s Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), says some 50-60 students studying medicine were taken to hospital after the Air India flight crashed into the doctors' hostel. The association says five students are missing, and at least two are in the intensive care unit. Relatives of some doctors are also missing. Sources have stated details of the crew; The pilots were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience and First Officer Clive Kunder, from Mumbai, was co-piloting. He had logged 1,100 of flying hours and completed his training at the Florida-based Paris Air Flight School, according to local media. Senior Crew members Shradha Dhavan and Aparna Mahadik, along with Saineeta Chakravarti, Deepak Pathak, Maithili Patil, Irfan Shaikh, Roshni Songhare Rajendra, Manisha Thapam, Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singsonwere also named among the crew. Flightradar24 Flightradar24 have been able to process a limited number of additional ADS-B data frames and produced calculations of Above Ground Level altitude for Air India flight Details are here; https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/major-incident/air-india-171-crashes-shortly-after-take-off-from-ahmedabad/ Adapted by Asean Now 2025-06-13

Chinese Man Arrested at Don Mueang Airport for Alleged ฿200 Million Fraud Picture courtesy of SiamNews. A Chinese national accused of orchestrating a high-value cryptocurrency fraud totalling over 200 million baht was apprehended on the morning of 12 June, at Don Mueang International Airport as he attempted to flee Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363515-chinese-man-arrested-at-don-mueang-airport-for-alleged-฿200-million-fraud/

Picture courtesy of SiamNews. A Chinese national accused of orchestrating a high-value cryptocurrency fraud totalling over 200 million baht was apprehended on the morning of 12 June, at Don Mueang International Airport as he attempted to flee Thailand. Acting under the orders of Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyaluck, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau and in coordination with senior officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Thanit Thaiwatcharamas (Deputy Commissioner), Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimpadee (Commander of Immigration Division 2) and Pol. Col. Atisak Panya (Don Mueang Immigration Checkpoint Chief), a special investigative team moved in on the suspect. Authorities had received intelligence that the suspect, identified as Mr Huang, a 39-year-old Chinese citizen, intended to depart Thailand on Thai Lion Air Flight SL100 bound for Singapore. Immigration officers discreetly stationed themselves in the international departure hall, where they spotted the individual around 06:00. Upon approaching and presenting their credentials, officers confirmed Mr Huang’s identity against an arrest warrant issued by the Chiang Rai Provincial Court (Warrant No. 50/2568, dated 16 May 2025). The suspect admitted to being the person named in the warrant and stated that he had not previously been apprehended in connection with the case. Mr Huang is wanted on charges of fraud stemming from a complaint filed on 30 April by two fellow Chinese nationals at Mae Sai Police Station, Chiang Rai. According to the complaint, the incident occurred on 23 April in Mae Sai during a business meeting regarding cryptocurrency investments. The victims transferred Bitcoin on two occasions, amounting to a total value of approximately 200 million baht, to Mr Huang’s digital wallet. However, the victims reportedly received no returns from the transaction, prompting them to initiate legal proceedings on grounds of fraud. During the arrest, Mr Huang was able to communicate in English. Don Mueang Immigration officers assigned Police Lance Corporal Suwapan Utsah to act as interpreter and explain the charges and his legal rights. Following the arrest, the suspect was transferred to Mae Sai Police Station to face further legal action under the law. The case highlights increasing concerns over international cybercrime and financial fraud involving digital currencies. Immigration authorities reiterated their commitment to tightening border surveillance to prevent suspects from fleeing justice. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-06-13

Senior Police Officer Injured as Pickup Truck Collides with Train in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture courtesy of Matichon. A senior police officer was injured after his pickup truck was struck by a train at an unguarded crossing in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on the afternoon of 12 June. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363514-senior-police-officer-injured-as-pickup-truck-collides-with-train-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A senior police officer was injured after his pickup truck was struck by a train at an unguarded crossing in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on the afternoon of 12 June. The incident occurred at 12:10, near kilometre marker 741/5 between Laksang and Nabon railway stations. The crossing is marked with warning signs and a signal light, but no physical barriers. A grey Nissan Navara pickup truck, bearing Bangkok licence plates, reportedly crossed the tracks directly in front of an oncoming train. The train, a local service number 445, was unable to stop in time and clipped the front end of the vehicle, throwing it off the crossing into the grass area alongside the tracks. The driver, identified as Police Lieutenant Colonel Wichian, a resident of Nabon Subdistrict, Nabon District, was injured in the collision. Emergency responders from a local rescue foundation quickly arrived at the scene and transported the injured officer to Nabon Hospital. The incident was reported to Nabon Police Station for further investigation. The train involved was hauled by diesel locomotive number 4402. The impact caused damage to the train’s brake pipe system. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-13

Fatal Gang Attack Erupts After Temple Fair in Phayao Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A violent clash between youths from different districts ended in tragedy in the early hours of 11 June, when a 20-year-old man was brutally attacked and later died from his injuries on a roadside in Mae Chai district, Phayao province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363513-fatal-gang-attack-erupts-after-temple-fair-in-phayao/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A violent clash between youths from different districts ended in tragedy in the early hours of 11 June, when a 20-year-old man was brutally attacked and later died from his injuries on a roadside in Mae Chai district, Phayao province. The incident occurred at approximately 02:05 near a grocery shop on the Nakhon Sawan–Chiang Rai road, 200 metres past the Sri Boonruang traffic lights in Moo 7, Sri Toi subdistrict. Pol. Lt. Thongchai Suwanmanee, an investigator from Mae Chai Police Station, responded to the report along with Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Weera Mangmoon, patrol officers, detectives, and emergency responders from the Sri Toi Municipal Rescue Team. At the scene, officers found Mr. Sarawut Chueamuangphan 20, of Mae Yen subdistrict in Phan district, Chiang Rai province, lying next to a yellow Honda motorcycle with no licence plate. He had sustained deep wounds to the head, right arm and torso. Despite emergency first aid and rapid transfer to Mae Chai Hospital, Mr. Sarawut was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Initial investigations revealed that tensions began earlier that evening at a local temple fair in Sri Toi. Witnesses said the victim had been flirting with a girl during a traditional “Ramwong” dance, which reportedly provoked resentment from a group of local youths. After the fair ended, Mr. Sarawut left on his motorbike, intending to meet the girl again and stopped outside the shop where the attack later occurred. As he waited, a group of local teenagers from Sri Toi approached on motorcycles. Armed with wooden sticks and a metre-long sharpened rod, they ambushed Mr. Sarawut, beating and hacking him before fleeing the scene. Locals who heard the commotion rushed to help and called for emergency services. Police investigators later detained six suspects, all under the age of 18, believed to be involved in the attack. During questioning, they admitted to harbouring resentment towards Mr. Sarawut following the interaction with the girl at the fair. Surveillance footage and witness testimony supported the account that the assault was premeditated and targeted. According to Mr. “Uncle Dam”, a local shop owner near the scene, “I heard shouting and ran out to see what was happening. It was chaos. The boy was lying there, not moving. It was shocking to see something like this happen just after a joyful temple event.” Authorities are continuing to investigate and have confirmed that the suspects will face serious charges despite being juveniles. The case has sparked renewed concern over inter-district youth violence in northern provinces, where rivalry between young people from neighbouring towns has occasionally flared into deadly confrontations. Police have urged parents, communities and local leaders to work together to prevent further escalation and to ensure public safety at festivals and public gatherings. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-13

UPDATE Land Prices Surge in Huai Yai Amid Launch of “EEC New City” Mega Project Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. Land prices in the Huai Yai–Pattaya corridor are skyrocketing following the full-scale launch of Thailand’s ambitious “EEC New City” project. Spearheaded by the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECO), the 14,619-rai development in Huai Yai subdistrict, Chonburi, is attracting a frenzy of real estate activity. With an investment value exceeding 1.34 trillion baht, the government aims to create a “second Bangkok”, a hub for business, innovation and urban expansion. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362826-proposal-to-spend-134-trillion-baht-on-new-‘second-bangkok’-in-huai-yai-chonburi/#findComment-19867591

UPDATE Land Prices Surge in Huai Yai Amid Launch of “EEC New City” Mega Project Pictures courtesy of Kaoded. Land prices in the Huai Yai–Pattaya corridor are skyrocketing following the full-scale launch of Thailand’s ambitious “EEC New City” project. Spearheaded by the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECO), the 14,619-rai development in Huai Yai subdistrict, Chonburi, is attracting a frenzy of real estate activity. With an investment value exceeding 1.34 trillion baht, the government aims to create a “second Bangkok”, a hub for business, innovation and urban expansion. The state has already begun the process of land expropriation and compensation, while signing a strategic cooperation agreement with the Sports Authority of Thailand to develop a new sports complex in the area. In parallel, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is planning a large-scale BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) industrial estate, with public utility bids expected to commence in 2026. Mr Wasan Khongchan, Vice President of the Real Estate Sales and Marketing Association, reported intense speculation and transactions around the project site. A notable deal involved over 400 rai opposite the former ASEAN University, which was auctioned and sold back in 2023. Land prices have surged dramatically across the region: • Road 331 corridor: From 1–2 million baht/rai to 5–10 million baht/rai • Khao Chi Chan area: From 2–3 million baht/rai to 3–10 million baht/rai • Na Jomtien beachside: From 40 million baht/rai to 80–100 million baht/rai • Sukhumvit Road frontage: From 10–20 million baht/rai to 30–40 million baht/rai Most current investors are Thai, either Bangkok-based or local, with limited Chinese capital involvement so far. The primary focus has been on hotel, resort and tourism-related real estate development. Dr Sopon Pornchokchai, President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), added that mid-sized plots (10–20 rai) along Road 331 are now valued around 4–5 million baht/rai, while larger parcels (500+ rai) average 2 million baht/rai. He recommends that compensation for expropriated land be set at 20% above market value to encourage collaborative urban development. The EEC New City masterplan spans a 10-year timeline and targets six core industries: 1. Regional business headquarters and financial services 2. Precision and future medicine 3. International education and research centres 4. Tourism, leisure, and sports 5. Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) industries 6. Residential and mixed-use real estate A number of Thai and foreign companies have already expressed interest in investing. With the rapid transformation underway, Huai Yai is poised to become one of the hottest emerging investment destinations, prompting close attention from developers and urban planners alike. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-13

Slogan Turned Trap: The Enduring Damage of “Don’t Betray Your Own” in Police Culture Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a modern society yearning for deep-rooted judicial reform, one aspect that cannot be ignored is the institutional culture within the police force. A seemingly innocuous motto has become a deeply embedded ethos among many generations of Thai police officers: “Don’t kill your junior, don’t report your superior, don’t betray your friend.” Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1363512-slogan-turned-trap-the-enduring-damage-of-“don’t-betray-your-own”-in-police-culture/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. In a modern society yearning for deep-rooted judicial reform, one aspect that cannot be ignored is the institutional culture within the police force. A seemingly innocuous motto has become a deeply embedded ethos among many generations of Thai police officers: “Don’t kill your junior, don’t report your superior, don’t betray your friend.” At first glance, the phrase appears to promote loyalty, solidarity, and a strong organisational bond. But a deeper analysis reveals it may well be a core obstacle to the rule of law and to true justice in Thailand. Twisted Loyalty? “Don’t kill your junior” suggests shielding subordinates who have committed wrongdoing, whether due to mistakes, misconduct or mutual benefit. Rather than ensuring accountability, it implies a collective effort to cover up faults so the individual can continue to serve without consequences. “Don’t report your superior” is interpreted as an unwavering loyalty to those higher in rank, even if they violate ethical or legal boundaries. This fosters a rigid hierarchical loyalty that stifles internal scrutiny and breeds a culture of silence. “Don’t betray your friend” means turning a blind eye to a colleague’s misconduct. In a law enforcement context, this effectively becomes complicity in breaking the law itself. The Justice System Needs Truth, Not Blind Loyalty The police form the starting point of any justice process, from investigation and arrest to interrogation. If officers are more committed to protecting each other than to uncovering the truth, investigations are skewed, evidence goes missing, offenders go free, and innocent people can suffer. Worse still, this culture allows certain circles to exploit their positions for personal gain, reinforcing a network of protectionism rather than public service. Real-World Consequences This motto has directly contributed to instances of police brutality, torture during interrogation, false or exaggerated charges and even extrajudicial killings. Officers who try to expose wrongdoing are often ostracised, transferred or labelled traitors. Such consequences destroy any mechanism of internal accountability and further alienate the public from accessing justice. Time for Change The Royal Thai Police must reflect honestly on its internal culture. Organisational unity should never come at the expense of integrity and legal principles. Internal whistleblowing must be encouraged, not condemned as betrayal. If an officer witnesses a colleague abusing a suspect, they should be commended for speaking out, not punished or cast aside. This long-cherished motto may once have served as a morale booster, but in the context of modern reform, it now symbolises silence, protectionism, and impunity. To regain public trust, the culture must evolve. A New Ethos for Police In a genuine democracy, the police are not rulers over the public, they arethe public. Their role is to shield society from unjust power, no matter its source. Upholding the law fairly and honestly forms the bedrock of a society governed by justice and order. If loyalty to individuals continues to outweigh loyalty to legal and ethical standards, meaningful reform will never take hold. A sustainable, trustworthy system can only be built on clear principles, not unspoken pacts. A modern police culture must rest on three critical pillars: 1. Transparency and Accountability Officers must be subject to public scrutiny in a real and practical sense, not just on paper. Open channels for complaints and public feedback are essential for meaningful progress and restored trust. 2. Impartiality and Equality Before the Law The law must be applied equally to all, regardless of status, nationality or wealth. Only then can citizens truly feel protected rather than preyed upon. 3. Compassion and Respect for Human Dignity Police should not presume guilt. Suspects, the poor and the marginalised must be treated with dignity. That is the mark of a civilised and moral society. Reforming Culture for Economic and Social Gain Police culture is not just an “internal” matter. It has a profound impact on the economy and international image of Thailand. If tourists feel safe and confident they will not be extorted or profiled by officers, they are more likely to visit, boosting an economy heavily reliant on tourism. If investors see Thailand as a country where the law is fairly enforced, not manipulated for political ends, foreign investment will rise. At home, public faith in the police encourages crime reporting and legal cooperation. It helps reduce violence, civil unrest and paves the way for peaceful coexistence. The time has come to retire outdated notions of loyalty and forge a new police identity, one based on justice, accountability, and public service. Only then can Thailand build a law enforcement system its people can truly believe in. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-13