CCTV doesn't usually work for very long here due to lack of maintenance.
Respect is not the word that most Thais I have met would use to describe the police here. Fear would be a more likely response and a major reason they will go to great lengths to avoid involving them. Good luck changing their perceptions tho.
Arrived Sunday 10th, 8.30am.immig was a 5 minutes wait, walked to luggage carousel and bags waited another 5 mins. No delay at customs so straight out.