No drama say Thai media - police have a right to mount road blocks so long as they follow the law

 

"Legal roadblocks should look like this"

 

Thai Rath reported on the law pertaining to police rights to set up and man roadblocks on the roads and highways in Thailand.

 

The story followed a case where a woman was smashed into by a following ten wheel truck as she stopped abruptly at a country checkpoint.

 

Thai Rath said that strict rules should be followed according to traffic regulations promulgated in 1979 and a Highways Act from 1992.

 

Police need the permission of the chief of police before setting up checkpoints - stations or individual officers they can't just decided for themselves.

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

They can be set up for the purpose of emergencies or stopping lawbreakers on the roads.

 

A policeman of the rank of deputy sergeant or above must be in charge.

 

Everyone must be in uniform.

 

Checkpoints are only temporary - they cannot last longer than 24 hours.

 

There must be clear signage before the checkpoint, another sign at the place itself and the area must be well lit if at night.

 

Thai Rath did not ask or answer the question as to whether all this was done in the case of the accident at the checkpoint earlier this week. 

 

Source: Thai Rath

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-01-30

There must be clear signage before the checkpoint, another sign at the place itself and the area must be well lit if at night. I rest my case.

I do not go to town that often, but when I do; this checkpoint always seems to be open. The police officer said that they are looking for drugs.

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thai Rath said that strict rules should be followed according to traffic regulations promulgated in 1979 and a Highways Act from 1992.

Perhaps its about time that the traffic regulations and highways act were updated. The very fact that the number of vehicles on the Thai roads and the massive changes to the infrastructure have no relation to either 1979 or 1992 would deem this as a step forward.

 

IMO one of the reasons why the entire traffic system is in such a mess now because of inaction, with authorities taking the path of least resistance and happy to live in the past. This obviously doesn't just concern roadblocks. 

I guess many people here are comfortable with police checkpoints because they have them in their home countries.

 

They are totally illegal in the USA with a few exceptions like DUI checkpoints. In 62 years I have never been through a checkpoint except near the California/Mexico border or during a extreme emergency like a brush fire.

 

the first time I went through one in Thailand I was sort of outraged that they could stop everyone without probable cause.

 

that was before I realized they don't actually do anything.  

 

 

3 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

I guess many people here are comfortable with police checkpoints because they have them in their home countries.

 

They are totally illegal in the USA with a few exceptions like DUI checkpoints. In 62 years I have never been through a checkpoint except near the California/Mexico border or during a extreme emergency like a brush fire.

 

the first time I went through one in Thailand I was sort of outraged that they could stop everyone without probable cause.

 

that was before I realized they don't actually do anything.  

 

 

There's always probable cause....extraction of money!

There not very good at warning you that there is a check point in advance the ones I've come across were only a few metres before they stop you .

How do you get to the rank of "deputy sergeant"......

22 minutes ago, petermik said:

How do you get to the rank of "deputy sergeant"......

By paying money to the sergeant. Buying your promotion is the same in the RTP as it is in the education system and everywhere else in the Thai civil service.

5 hours ago, missoura said:

I do not go to town that often, but when I do; this checkpoint always seems to be open. The police officer said that they are looking for drugs.

Looks more like some bankrobbers stopping the vehicles. Why the one on the left has no "police" written on his vest? No name or number on any badge to see....i can't see anything of him at all...

 

 

I think most time they are checking that your sticker is up to date (2561).

Legalized highway robbery

Quote

Thai Rath did not ask or answer the question as to whether all this was done in the case of the accident at the checkpoint earlier this week. 

Well, way-to-go on the pro investigative reporting there then Thai Rath....would of been nice to know that.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

so long as they follow the law

That's what they are famous for.

.........A policeman of the rank of deputy sergeant or above must be in charge.

 

Odd. As I recall, the reported order from the National Chief of Police last year prohibited ad hoc checkpoints and said that official checkpoints should be supervised by a police officer with minimum rank of Captain. Not difficult since the entire force is over-ranked compared to other countries.

How about crashing on cop who suddenly stepped out due to unable to brake on time? 

I like the moving signage. Going to & from Chaiyaphum, a lot of vehicles flash their lights to give you a heads-up on a 'mobile' checkpoint. Great system, I say.