The Royal Protection Police Sub-Division 1 in Thailand has issued new rules on May 27, restricting six specific postures by uniformed officers. This move aims to improve discipline, boost public confidence, and enhance approachability of police personnel. Officers are now prohibited from standing with folded arms, hands on hips, hands in pockets, hands clasped behind the back, sitting with crossed legs, or leaning impolitely.

Get today's headlines by email

These gestures, while not illegal, can negatively impact the perception of police officers, who are seen as representatives of the state. According to the division, such positions may convey an image of being unprepared or intimidating, deterring public interaction. The restrictions are intended to project officers as professional, approachable, and ready to assist the public.

The policy follows a directive from Police General Kitrat Phanphet, issued on May 26, emphasizing the importance of conduct among officers. With increasing visibility on social media, where officers often become influencers, maintaining a professional appearance is critical. Proper uniform, grooming, and conduct are highlighted as key standards for officers, both in public and online.

Looking forward, unit chiefs have been tasked with ensuring compliance to these new rules, closely supervising officers to prevent inappropriate behavior. The overarching goal is to create a more reliable and welcoming police force that encourages public engagement and trust.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 29 May 2026

View full article

What a b...sh..t. People have to do their job and if they do it well no problem if they have crossed arms or whatever

Right! That's the important stuff taken care of! Now onto crime fighting!

Or is it tea time.

Puh😮‍💨 I though for a moment they closed another loophole

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

hands clasped behind the back,

Evening all.

Hand out palm down (ready to be filled) followed by hand in pocket. Never stop that one.

"... This move aims to improve discipline..."

Yeah, sure!

How about the posture of standing and pointing a gun at you?

How about just getting them onto the streets and doing their jobs. Much more effective than the way they stand or sit.

What about those posing as policemen?😄

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

How about the posture of standing and pointing a gun at you?

Or holding out a hand in a manner that might appear to request some cash

What about those in drag ?

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

can negatively impact the perception of police officers

Well that's that sorted. They should be far more efficient now!

None of that will improve the public perception of police officers. We all know who they are and what motivates them to be on the force. The first time one gets pulled over at a checkpoint, and discovers that it's nothing but a money grab, the trust is lost forever.

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

How about the posture of standing and pointing a gun at you?

No those are normal traffic stops in the US.

The first change they should implement is the police uniform. The current polyester fabric, long sleeves, and tight-fitting design are impractical for working under this heat.

As if the poor boys haven't got enough to contend with - drinking tea - now how should it be done - with little finger sticking up in the air or not? Counting tea money - with elbows on the table or not? Acquiring tea money with right hand on gun or not? Stopping drivers with right hand or left hand? Putting money in right hand trousers pocket or left hand trousers pocket? Oh, such time consuming tasks - I'm surprised they have time to find any criminals!

25 minutes ago, The Alien said:

The first change they should implement is the police uniform. The current polyester fabric, long sleeves, and tight-fitting design are impractical for working under this heat.

...and how about a gut-reduction programme?

Preferred posture, officially certified...

Some low value posts and replies have been removed:

13. Low-Value Posts - Posts that add no written contribution are not allowed.

    This includes emoji-only replies, very short comments, memes, GIFs, screenshots, or embedded social media posts without explanation or opinion.

15 hours ago, Watawattana said:

Right! That's the important stuff taken care of! Now onto crime fighting!

Or is it tea time.

Having read the article I am sure many people out walking in Pattaya at 3 am will feel a lot safer!

2 hours ago, fittobethaied said:

None of that will improve the public perception of police officers. We all know who they are and what motivates them to be on the force. The first time one gets pulled over at a checkpoint, and discovers that it's nothing but a money grab, the trust is lost forever.

Rather a 500 Baht bung than an official ticket? Just call it the cost of driving.

And what about the gesture of accepting a brown envelope?😆

Wow!

This will sure boost people confidence.

18 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Hand out palm down (ready to be filled) followed by hand in pocket. Never stop that one.

Well if it helps avoid a possibly lengthy visit to the police station or possibly keeps us out of court and stops us getting a criminal record , or a driving ban, or even possibly deported then long may it continue !

3 hours ago, Legal Lifeline said:

Having read the article I am sure many people out walking in Pattaya at 3 am will feel a lot safer!

Are you sure you read the correct article? The first words of which were " The Royal Protection Police Sub-Division 1" So I don't think the article has much to do with people out in walking street in Pattaya at 3am

6 hours ago, fittobethaied said:

None of that will improve the public perception of police officers. We all know who they are and what motivates them to be on the force. The first time one gets pulled over at a checkpoint, and discovers that it's nothing but a money grab, the trust is lost forever.

When it comes to the public perception of the royal protection unit as in this case or the public perception of the RTP generally its worth remembering that absolutely none of this is about "US" The Thai police do not care what we think about them in the slightest

As to what motivates them to join up there is probably a multitude of reasons , often its following other family members , regular salary, pension, and there are other benefits of being a government employee re healthcare and public transport I doubt back handers and corruption are the initial driving factors they don't get to keep all they take in "tips" you know? Its shared out according to rank and those at the bottom don't get so much

But if I was a Thai I would certainly consider it There are about six of them in our immediate family and I never heard any of them moan

3 hours ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

And what about the gesture of accepting a brown envelope?😆

What about it ? its part of the culture here , nobody wishes to discourage the practice, there are already strict protocols in place that control how its done, most people abide by the unwritten rules voluntarily and that side of things is self governing. Don't you worry yourself ,they are experts, and they've got this .

A post with a trolling meme containing profane language and a reply has been removed:

• You will not post vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

21 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Evening all.

Ah Dixon of Dock Green, what memories!