Law-Enforcement Agency? People Begin To Wonder: Thai Editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Law-enforcement agency? People begin to wonder
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With so many recent cases of police officers being caught committing crimes, it's high time reform of the police topped the national agenda.

There have been more and more cases recently in which law-enforcers turned into law violators. A number of police officers have become suspects in such crimes as murder, rape, armed robbery, smuggling and dealing in illicit drugs, in addition to the "usual" misconduct of taking bribes.

Some Bangkok traffic policemen have recently been caught red-handed - on video - demanding bribes from motorists who broke the law. Earlier a Bangkok policeman in uniform was caught on video being chased by a group of men who came to the rescue of a young woman who accused him of demanding sex if he let her dodge a drug charge.

Another city policeman moonlighting as a taxi driver was accused of raping a passenger. Two other policemen in Khon Kaen were accused of participating in the murder of a local politician, in an alleged guns-for-hire deal. These are just some of the recent crimes that have come to light involving police officers.

All of the ones mentioned above are seeing their cases handled swiftly, possibly due to the widespread media coverage.

It appears that many in the force believe they can take advantage of the criminal justice and law-enforcement systems. Greed and lust have more influence on them than their conscience and their duty as protectors of civil peace and order. And they seem convinced that, with the law and corrupt colleagues "on their side", they can get away with anything.

Almost every Thai has a story about corrupt or bad police officers. Some have more than just a story. They have direct experience of abuse at the hands of the police, while others hear similar tales from family members, friends, colleagues and people they trust.

We have heard about - and even seen - law-enforcers break the law themselves. Traffic infractions, such as riding a motorcycle against the flow of traffic, are committed so regularly by police officers that we hardly notice them. Others demand bribes for minor traffic offences. Far more bribes come from illegal gambling dens and entertainment venues that break the closing-time rule, accept underage customers or offer sex services.

Some police officers enforce the law only in the hope of collecting bribe money, while many simply demand bribes from violators in exchange for allowing them to walk away.

The Royal Thai Police force is comprised of about 200,000 officers. It's too naive to expect a totally clean force, with all members guiltless of crime and unacceptable behaviour such as taking bribes. But it is unacceptable for any police force in the world to harbour so many criminals and law-breakers.

In a survey by Abac Poll, more than 95 per cent of respondents were aware of the police's vital role in society and their merit in solving crimes and protecting lives and property. But many also said they had been singled out or taken advantage of by police. Others believe they could be subject to extortion any time they see a policeman. Some even felt scared or threatened when police officers were nearby.

When there are complaints that crime is rife, the excuse from high-ranking officers is an insufficient number of officers to deal with the problem. But when crimes are committed by police officers, the excuse is that the police force has too many people to take care. Whether it is because there are too many people or too few, the problem lies with the quality and efficiency of police personnel. There are many responsible men and women in the force, but the archaic hierarchy and the practice of favouritism has buried them in the lower echelons.

There have been many proposals for reform of the force, such as decentralising it - setting up local police departments in each province and city that would report to the provincial governor. This might be a way to help boost efficiency and reduce corruption. It is an alternative that is worth considering.

The problem of officers guilty of crimes being simply suspended or transferred to inactive posts - as opposed to being charged, jailed and fired from their post, as other citizens would be - also needs to be addressed urgently.


-- The Nation 2013-05-09

[A Member]

Police involved in all sorts of wrongdoing is nothing new and maybe there's more publicity these days and similarly editorials like this are not new either but unfortunately they never make any difference. Like corruption and so many other hot topics, officialdom promises to clean things up and promptly do nothing.

The editorial would have been complete if it had also questioned why the DSI has become the enforcement arm of the PTP.

[simple1]

Not one word of of the culture for buying promotions that must fuel the endemic corruption within the RTP. Also the buying of the entrance exam answers that instills corruption from day one of their career to pay back the costs. Currently a never ending supply chain of corruption embedded within RTP command structure.

As previously said by other TV members the issues raised in the OP will likely take many years to resolve.

[Thaddeus]

The problem of officers guilty of crimes being simply suspended or transferred to inactive posts - as opposed to being charged, jailed and fired from their post, as other citizens would be - also needs to be addressed urgently.

It does need to be addressed urgently, it should have been addressed urgently a long time ago.

[arthurboy]

It is extremely unlikely that while large sums of money and power are involved, anything is going to change.

Public trials, full media coverage, hefty prison sentences and asset sequestration of the guilty would change the current corrupt state of Thailand. And that includes every corrupt individual, not just the police.

[jaidam]

Considering the chief of police is Chalerm, who as anyone who has lived here for a while knows is nothing short of a thug, what hope is there for a cleaner police force. If aiding and abetting the murder of another policeman, intimidating witnesses, evading arrest, tampering with a crime scene and compulsive lying lead to rapid promotion to chief of police in this red democracy, I think the Thai people fully deserve the bed they are now stuck in.

[Locationthailand]

Considering the chief of police is Chalerm, who as anyone who has lived here for a while knows is nothing short of a thug, what hope is there for a cleaner police force. If aiding and abetting the murder of another policeman, intimidating witnesses, evading arrest, tampering with a crime scene and compulsive lying lead to rapid promotion to chief of police in this red democracy, I think the Thai people fully deserve the bed they are now stuck in.

Absolutely. Well said. The police are there in physical form but most people simply ignore them as Mafia in brown uniforms. They are mostly treated with contempt and they deserve it.

[OzMick]

Does the RTP even have an Internal Affairs/Complaints section? Who polices the police?

[Thai at Heart]

They are a law unto themselves simple. Just look at the PAO man who got executed by 3 policemen in Khon Kaen last week. They are little better than the mafia.

[Morakot]

it's high time reform of the police topped the national agenda.

Well, there might be differences in opinion, but I think policing ought to be a local issue and not something on national agenda lists.

There is a good amount of evidence that where matters are kept at a local level, for things which are mainly of local concern, corruption is considerably less.

Edited May 9, 2013 by Morakot

[bkkgriz]

There are so many problems in regards to the police in Thailand that it is hard to say where to begin the clean up. A good start may be paying the police a decent living wage. It is unreasonable to expect people to do a dangerous and difficult job for 8 to 10,000 baht a month. If police were paid more, maybe the temptation to supplement income through bribery would decrease. Of course there needs to be better screening and testing to get a higher standard of individual in the force. We are all aware that many of the high ranking officers are rotten to the core and nothing can be done to change them. It will take a very brave and powerful individual to get the rotten apples out of the force. The police in Thailand are really a reflection of the society. People accept corruption in Thailand. Poll after poll states that Thais don't have a problem with corruption as long as it benefits them. To see real change in the police, we will need to see real change in the whole society.

[moe666]

they have to start somewhere, fire any and all caught doing corupt acts that would be a start

[chainarong]

Most of the comments are on track, systematic offences could be attributed to many things, but like most of Thailanders they see what a fine example the the criminal record of government ministers are, leaders in local government , the continued graft and corruption in Business, the mafia rip off , so why not, coupled with Piss poor Pay, gambling problems , they work in the box seat for corruption. Thai society is programed for corruption , which is a form of sickness.

[WhizBang]

it's high time reform of the police topped the national agenda.

Well, there might be differences in opinion, but I think policing ought to be a local issue and not something on national agenda lists.

There is a good amount of evidence that where matters are kept at a local level, for things which are mainly of local concern, corruption is considerably less.

Have to disagree. Reforming the police NEEDS to be on a National Agenda.

Running the police offices can be handled locally, but you need the reform FIRST.

[simple1]

Considering the chief of police is Chalerm, who as anyone who has lived here for a while knows is nothing short of a thug, what hope is there for a cleaner police force. If aiding and abetting the murder of another policeman, intimidating witnesses, evading arrest, tampering with a crime scene and compulsive lying lead to rapid promotion to chief of police in this red democracy, I think the Thai people fully deserve the bed they are now stuck in.

National Police chief is Adul Saengsingkaew

[Tatsujin]

It's not law enforcement, merely disguised thievery.

[Fullstop]

Start a campaign to encourage citizens to report any corruption. Have a quick access hotline. Cop pulls you over and tries to extort money ... pull your phone out. If the cop is aware of the campaign he'll sh*t himself. It's a start.

... actually, a few months ago I was pulled over and had to pass over the obligatory 200 baht. As I was doing so I mumbled in Thai, "The White Police are coming soon" ... and his face froze for a couple of seconds.

I think you've all heard about the planned "White Police"? right?

Edited May 9, 2013 by Fullstop

[PREM-R]

Start a campaign to encourage citizens to report any corruption. Have a quick access hotline. Cop pulls you over and tries to extort money ... pull your phone out. If the cop is aware of the campaign he'll sh*t himself. It's a start.

... actually, a few months ago I was pulled over and had to pass over the obligatory 200 baht. As I was doing so I mumbled in Thai, "The White Police are coming soon" ... and his face froze for a couple of seconds.

I think you've all heard about the planned "White Police"? right?

"Have a quick access hotline. Cop pulls you over and tries to extort

money ... pull your phone out. If the cop is aware of the campaign he'll

sh*t himself shoot you. It's a start."

[whybother]

There are so many problems in regards to the police in Thailand that it is hard to say where to begin the clean up. A good start may be paying the police a decent living wage. It is unreasonable to expect people to do a dangerous and difficult job for 8 to 10,000 baht a month. If police were paid more, maybe the temptation to supplement income through bribery would decrease. Of course there needs to be better screening and testing to get a higher standard of individual in the force. We are all aware that many of the high ranking officers are rotten to the core and nothing can be done to change them. It will take a very brave and powerful individual to get the rotten apples out of the force. The police in Thailand are really a reflection of the society. People accept corruption in Thailand. Poll after poll states that Thais don't have a problem with corruption as long as it benefits them. To see real change in the police, we will need to see real change in the whole society.

Although they probably should get a higher wage, I don't think that will do anything to stop their corruption. That would be implying that rich people aren't corrupt.

[chainarong]

There are so many problems in regards to the police in Thailand that it is hard to say where to begin the clean up. A good start may be paying the police a decent living wage. It is unreasonable to expect people to do a dangerous and difficult job for 8 to 10,000 baht a month. If police were paid more, maybe the temptation to supplement income through bribery would decrease. Of course there needs to be better screening and testing to get a higher standard of individual in the force. We are all aware that many of the high ranking officers are rotten to the core and nothing can be done to change them. It will take a very brave and powerful individual to get the rotten apples out of the force. The police in Thailand are really a reflection of the society. People accept corruption in Thailand. Poll after poll states that Thais don't have a problem with corruption as long as it benefits them. To see real change in the police, we will need to see real change in the whole society.

Although they probably should get a higher wage, I don't think that will do anything to stop their corruption. That would be implying that rich people aren't corrupt.

I think you might be right, Why Bother.

[bigbamboo]

it's high time reform of the police topped the national agenda.

Well, there might be differences in opinion, but I think policing ought to be a local issue and not something on national agenda lists.

There is a good amount of evidence that where matters are kept at a local level, for things which are mainly of local concern, corruption is considerably less.

Well for now you'll just have to accept the return of one ex policeman being at the top of the national agenda.

[Baerboxer]

This would require a massive effort to reform. A complete regime, structure, policy, process and procedural change. Proper training prior to joining and throughout career. Promotions based on merit, background checks, educational standards, etc.

This would also mean a strictly impartial enforcement of the law, thorough and professional investigations and hard work. So no hiso's or well connected above the law, treating everyone the same - even non-Thais, and policing demonstrations correctly regardless of the shirt colour or political persuasion.

Can anyone really see this amount of massive change likely given the nature of the current government? Police corruption and abuses usally increase under a dictatorship.

[Evolare]

Yeah i think it starts with that police officers have a very low salary which almost forces them into this. One thing that is needed if a reform can succeed or not is a hike in salary with at least 10.000 baht. A normal thai police officer have a salary around 13-15.000 baht per month and this is in Bkk how many of you can live off of that. Thats what i spend on a slow week.

So for bribery cases to hike police officers salaries and then when that is done they need to be reprimanded or fired and put on trial like everyone else for their crimes.

A few years ago i was in moscow playing american football in the eurobowl. One of the days during our stay there two of my teammates where robbed in broad daylight by police officers just outside our hotel.

Its not only thai police that are corrupt.

[Just1Voice]

Start a campaign to encourage citizens to report any corruption. Have a quick access hotline. Cop pulls you over and tries to extort money ... pull your phone out. If the cop is aware of the campaign he'll sh*t himself. It's a start.

... actually, a few months ago I was pulled over and had to pass over the obligatory 200 baht. As I was doing so I mumbled in Thai, "The White Police are coming soon" ... and his face froze for a couple of seconds.

I think you've all heard about the planned "White Police"? right?

"White Police"?? That's a new one for me. Please explain

[Travel2003]

A very good editorial, which I believe most agree upon.

Question: Who actually reads this news paper in Thailand?

[Thaddeus]

Start a campaign to encourage citizens to report any corruption. Have a quick access hotline. Cop pulls you over and tries to extort money ... pull your phone out. If the cop is aware of the campaign he'll sh*t himself. It's a start.

... actually, a few months ago I was pulled over and had to pass over the obligatory 200 baht. As I was doing so I mumbled in Thai, "The White Police are coming soon" ... and his face froze for a couple of seconds.

I think you've all heard about the planned "White Police"? right?

"White Police"?? That's a new one for me. Please explain

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/620625-white-police-to-change-thai-police-culture/

[EyesWideOpen]

I have said this for many years, the police are a object of hatred of all Thais. There sole function is nothing more than to extort money from the public.

Sometime the uniform they wear confuses newly arrived farangs, as the new people think the police are actually there to stop crime...

Fire them all, and start over.....

[Just1Voice]

Start a campaign to encourage citizens to report any corruption. Have a quick access hotline. Cop pulls you over and tries to extort money ... pull your phone out. If the cop is aware of the campaign he'll sh*t himself. It's a start.

... actually, a few months ago I was pulled over and had to pass over the obligatory 200 baht. As I was doing so I mumbled in Thai, "The White Police are coming soon" ... and his face froze for a couple of seconds.

I think you've all heard about the planned "White Police"? right?

"White Police"?? That's a new one for me. Please explain

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/620625-white-police-to-change-thai-police-culture/

Oh, yeah, I remember reading that piece of propaganda b.s.. Just like the "Crack down of the Month", another piece of "fluff" to make people think they are actually going to do something, and then do nothing.

If they wanted REAL "White Police", hire experienced officers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, U.S., England and Germany. Spend a few weeks teaching them basic Thai law, which most would recognize as the same laws their countries have in regards to driving, and then turn them free to actually enforce the law, and possibly show the RTP how it's really done.

Wouldn't even have to pay them. Offer them a month long "holiday" in LOS where they would be provided housing. Every month you could easily have a few thousand willing to take them up on it.

[edgarfriendly]

if they were to release every thai prisoner & give him a gun & a uniform, Would ANYONE notice any difference?

[whybother]

Yeah i think it starts with that police officers have a very low salary which almost forces them into this. One thing that is needed if a reform can succeed or not is a hike in salary with at least 10.000 baht. A normal thai police officer have a salary around 13-15.000 baht per month and this is in Bkk how many of you can live off of that. Thats what i spend on a slow week.

So for bribery cases to hike police officers salaries and then when that is done they need to be reprimanded or fired and put on trial like everyone else for their crimes.

A few years ago i was in moscow playing american football in the eurobowl. One of the days during our stay there two of my teammates where robbed in broad daylight by police officers just outside our hotel.

Its not only thai police that are corrupt.

Although they probably should get a higher wage, I don't think that will do anything to stop their corruption. That would be implying that rich people aren't corrupt.