Chinese police patrols plan dumped by ministers quickly after public backlash threatened to erupt

[webfact]

On Tuesday at Government House, the Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wang-Suphakitkosol made it clear that the government would not allow Chinese Police patrols in Thailand with a statement from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday going further and ruling out any personnel. Such patrols are currently limited to Serbia (inset) and Croatia after Italy axed them in December 2022.

Proposal for Chinese police in Thailand has raised extended questions about Chinese overseas police patrols, which are currently only sanctioned in Croatia and Serbia after being axed in Italy in December 2022 with strong concerns over unauthorised Chinese police stations.

The proposal to allow Chinese police to patrol Thai streets with the Royal Thai Police and even the presence of Chinese police personnel in the Kingdom has been rejected out of hand by the government with this confirmed on Tuesday by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wang-Suphakitkosol in response to a growing public backlash with strong concerns over sovereignty. The news followed a proposal from the new Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool to that effect over the weekend following discussions in China with tour groups as Thailand’s tourism trade with China has been flagging despite high hopes in September when a visa fee waiver was introduced and personally promoted by the Prime Minister at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

 

The government on Monday and Tuesday moved to scotch a rising controversy over Chinese police operating in Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday from San Francisco knocked on the head any plan to allow the proposed police patrols on Thai streets.

 

by Joseph O' Connor

 

Full story: Thai Examiner 2023-11-15

 

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[Artisi]

Just another about-face.

When will these idiots learn to engage brain before opening mouth? 

[ezzra]

Good, so someone saw how Ludicrous and stupid this idea was and decided against it...

[realfunster]

Whilst sounding out policy by public reaction and subsequent government u-turns is common here, in this case, the almost instantaneous denials indicate the good lady from the TAT was talking out of his rear-end and purely from his own viewpoint.

 

The resulting <deleted>-storm and slap-down can only have resulted in a huge loss of face for the TAT Governor. Could possibly have been a heavy censure or sacking in many governments, probably not too much to worry about in the un-meritocracy of Thailand, where a delicate balance of power/influence amongst factions needs to be maintained, regardless of individual performance and competence.

 

Still, lesson learned, and I am sure she will keep her gob shut from now on. Well, at least until the next round of monthly TAT Fantasy Figures are released...

[2baht]

I wonder how many of the Russian insurgents in Phuket are cops?

[bob smith]

Good.

 

Now just waiting for the inevitable flip flop on the ridiculous digital wallet scheme!

 

they seem to be drawing that one out at the moment..

Edited November 14, 2023 by bob smith

[daveAustin]

Good. Now if only they could ban Chinese tour groups too. 😋

[bob smith]

5 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

Good. Now if only they could ban Chinese tour groups too. 😋

We can but dream mate 😂

[daveAustin]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday from San Francisco knocked on the head any plan to allow the proposed police patrols on Thai streets.

Earlier on he was the one that said it would happen. What a damp squib of a man!

[ChipButty]

World class tourist destination, run by the Chinese sounds good 

[spidermike007]

Wow. They are listening to the public for a change. This is a very new policy. 

 

I suspect they simply came to their senses and realized what a potential disaster this could have been. China and the utterly heinous CCP are up to no good, and cannot be trusted on any level. 

[bob smith]

16 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

World class tourist destination, run by the Chinese sounds good 

I hope this post was in jest?

[jacko45k]

2 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another about-face.

When will these idiots learn to engage brain before opening mouth? 

It's TAT mate!

[BE88]

This confirms that TAT reads ASEAN

[bbko]

Looks like some Thai government official will have to return the stuffed brown envelope to the Chinese.

[Skeptic7]

Stupid, nonsensical idea from get-go. But that's ok, we all got a good laugh and some deserved bashing in.

[Stargeezr]

In Canada, some Chinese Canadians were being harrassed by Chinese police, and the government 

is presently shutting down some police stations that were illegaly set up. Come on Thailand you do not need Foreign police in your country

except to come and take home their criminals.

 

[Gknrd]

I'm shocked. Never thought the government would do an about face on this... I was wrong... 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another about-face.

When will these idiots learn to engage brain before opening mouth? 

Not sure it's an about face... more like an idea mentioned by someone, media got wind of it and blew it out of all proportion?

[bob smith]

9 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Not sure it's an about face... more like an idea mentioned by someone, media got wind of it and blew it out of all proportion?

I sometimes think that the way policy works in Thailand begins with a leak from some official in government, then they wait to see the reaction from the public and decide to whether or not to proceed.

[sumongkhwai]

Seemed reasonable although they'd have to build several proper police stations to house the coppers. And then with their train coming through soon maybe a military base or two to protect the train say Lopburi and Bangkok. Kind of an insidious way way to get a foot hold IMO.

[Smokey and the Bandit]

So for once a sensible decision?

[sammieuk1]

Great and sensible news, now back it up with Taiwan is free independent country with a Bangkok embassy🤔

[hotchilli]

4 minutes ago, bob smith said:

I sometimes think that the way policy works in Thailand begins with a leak from some official in government, then they wait to see the reaction from the public and decide to whether or not to proceed.

Got it in one.

[Blumpie]

Oh my,

Did thailand get upset because a foreign country was coming in to be the police?  Ha ha ha!

This is so absurd.  I mean can anyone understand how screwed up Thailand is?  

[Chongalulu]

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

Just another about-face.

When will these idiots learn to engage brain before opening mouth? 

Because there’s very little function there to engage in the first place.

[Deez]

Maybe just have the police you already have do their job.

[AhFarangJa]

1 hour ago, bob smith said:

Good.

 

Now just waiting for the inevitable flip flop on the ridiculous digital wallet scheme!

 

they seem to be drawing that one out at the moment..

A bit off topic, apologies, but The Wife yesterday said She would not get anything as one of the new rules apparently is if you have money in a bank you do not qualify. I told her it is all a big con to get peoples financial status, where they are living, whether they are working, what at, and if paying taxes, and if not why not. It is all a plan to get the plebs under control. Also, you will only be able to use the money at certain shops, probably all owned by CP group....

[thailand49]

This suggestion just shows the mentality of how fail the leadership is in Thailand.

[Homburg]

1 hour ago, bbko said:

Looks like some Thai government official will have to return the stuffed brown envelope to the Chinese.

Minus the contents of course.