Police want independence

[Lite Beer]

Police want independence

BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO) needs to be reformed and become independent of politicians under a new government so the agency could truly serve the people, a seminar was told yesterday

The seminar, titled "The police image: What do you want to see?", was held by the Isra Institute at the Thai Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) building.

Pol Maj Gen Kosin Hintao, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), said he accepted that the image of the police was poor.

But in light of current events, that was because the police needed to comply with the government's order to bring the protesters under control.

If the RTPO could become independent like the court and the Office of the Attorney General and then if it did not act in the best interests of the people, then it could be directly reprimand by the public.

"The RTPO can act as an independent body, but there needs to be amendments to certain laws in the parliament first," Pol Maj Gen Kosin said.

"Not all police officers want to be under the government's control and work for certain politicians. Many of them want to be independent," he said.

Pol Maj Gen Kosin said he wanted the public to tell the new government to reform the police force, and that the RTPO should rely on performance evaluations to promote officers rather than look to those who serve politicians.

Banjerd Singkhaneti, dean of the National Institute of Development Administration's Faculty of Law, said the RTPO should be independent of politicians like Japan's police office which is separate from politics and comes under local committees.

Mr Banjerd said there were many problems obstructing police officers from working to the full benefit of the people.

"It's time that the public and academics stepped in to help reform the police so they can truly work for the public," Mr Banjerd said.


-- Phuket News 2014-02-23

[BawBae]

Imagine how enjoyable they would be if let the leash.

[Mrjlh]

This would be a step in the right direction.

[seajae]

its about bloody time too, an independant police force that worked equally for all thais is way overdue. Actually while they are at it they could also start to do what they are paid for and actually police the country instead of hiding away in their airconditioned offices. A police force that chased after criminals instead oif supporting them would be nice, so would a police force that did road patrols and booked all the bullsh*t drivers/riders, the country would suddenly have a wealth of govt money of they did. Removing ranks once you leave the force should be also high on the agenda, chalerm is not a cop, he is a politician and should be treated as such and have no sway over them, same with thaksin.

Thailand needs an independant police force that does what it is supposed to, this would stop a hell of a lot of the crap we are now seeing and put the reds and yellows to bed, cant wait but it will simply never happen like everything else they plan here.

[NongKhaiKid]

its about bloody time too, an independant police force that worked equally for all thais is way overdue. Actually while they are at it they could also start to do what they are paid for and actually police the country instead of hiding away in their airconditioned offices. A police force that chased after criminals instead oif supporting them would be nice, so would a police force that did road patrols and booked all the bullsh*t drivers/riders, the country would suddenly have a wealth of govt money of they did. Removing ranks once you leave the force should be also high on the agenda, chalerm is not a cop, he is a politician and should be treated as such and have no sway over them, same with thaksin.

Thailand needs an independant police force that does what it is supposed to, this would stop a hell of a lot of the crap we are now seeing and put the reds and yellows to bed, cant wait but it will simply never happen like everything else they plan here.

You are absolutely right but can you imagine politicians and the elite willingly losing control over the BIB, the appointment of senior officers and so on ?

[givenall]

Police want independence

BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO) needs to be reformed and become independent of politicians under a new government so the agency could truly serve the people, a seminar was told yesterday

The seminar, titled "The police image: What do you want to see?", was held by the Isra Institute at the Thai Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) building.

Pol Maj Gen Kosin Hintao, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), said he accepted that the image of the police was poor.

But in light of current events, that was because the police needed to comply with the government's order to bring the protesters under control.

If the RTPO could become independent like the court and the Office of the Attorney General and then if it did not act in the best interests of the people, then it could be directly reprimand by the public.

"The RTPO can act as an independent body, but there needs to be amendments to certain laws in the parliament first," Pol Maj Gen Kosin said.

"Not all police officers want to be under the government's control and work for certain politicians. Many of them want to be independent," he said.

Pol Maj Gen Kosin said he wanted the public to tell the new government to reform the police force, and that the RTPO should rely on performance evaluations to promote officers rather than look to those who serve politicians.

Banjerd Singkhaneti, dean of the National Institute of Development Administration's Faculty of Law, said the RTPO should be independent of politicians like Japan's police office which is separate from politics and comes under local committees.

Mr Banjerd said there were many problems obstructing police officers from working to the full benefit of the people.

"It's time that the public and academics stepped in to help reform the police so they can truly work for the public," Mr Banjerd said.

-- Phuket News 2014-02-23

Thai police will only serve their own interest

[englishoak]

I don't have time to get into this one but suffice to say if given a free hand the RTP would become even more a law unto itself than it is now imo. If thats possible, earn the right by doing the job even slightly properly before asking for more autonomy.

[Melyn]

It would be better than now. But a better structure of accountability would be needed

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[dinom]

Finally the wind of change reached the RTPO as well. Add them to the list opposing the Thaksin government, who is left supporting them besides from good old Thida and her hardcore friends?

[impulse]

I like making jokes about the BIB as much as anyone. I've paid my tea money (minimal), and watched as dozens of tourists have been pulled aside for 2000 baht cigarette butts.

But I also appreciate walking the streets of downtown Bangkok at any hour- day or night without worrying too much about my personal safety.

And that wouldn't be possible unless some segment of the police were doing their job- and quite well at that.

[transam]

Does anyone ''now'' have any control of the BiB, in fact, any control over anything.....................

[EyesWideOpen]

One of the largest mafia groups in the world asking for more independence ?

What an odd headline....

[fatdrunkandstupid]

There are lots of Police in Thailand. Unfortunately there is VERY little policing.

[TVGerry]

You can get your independence once you become real cops and not just uniformed licensed criminals who are out for a bribe.

The fact of the matter is, this protests actually brought you guys some form of respect because you actually had to go out and do your job during this crisis. After it ends, it's back to same old same old with you guys just going around collecting money again.

[Blackmirage2013]

This depends on who is the boss. If Chalerm was the boss of this independent police force then it would be going from the frying plan into the fire...

Is there anyone in Thailand honest enough to head this independent police force?

Anyone?

[djjamie]

Wonderful.

Equal protection under the law is one principle of democracy. PTP would hate that principle being restored so expect a lot of resistance.

The first man to go should be the below.

[EyesWideOpen]

I like making jokes about the BIB as much as anyone. I've paid my tea money (minimal), and watched as dozens of tourists have been pulled aside for 2000 baht cigarette butts.

But I also appreciate walking the streets of downtown Bangkok at any hour- day or night without worrying too much about my personal safety.

And that wouldn't be possible unless some segment of the police were doing their job- and quite well at that.

???? If you walk the streets late at night, I can guarantee you will not be

seeing many policemen keeping you safe. ( They are in karaoke bars

spending the money they made that day). What keeps you safe walking the

streets is the generally peaceful nature of Thai people. A more extreme example of this is in Laos. You hardly ever see a policeman there day or night, yet crime

is very very low.

[amecth]

its about bloody time too, an independant police force that worked equally for all thais is way overdue. Actually while they are at it they could also start to do what they are paid for and actually police the country instead of hiding away in their airconditioned offices. A police force that chased after criminals instead oif supporting them would be nice, so would a police force that did road patrols and booked all the bullsh*t drivers/riders, the country would suddenly have a wealth of govt money of they did. Removing ranks once you leave the force should be also high on the agenda, chalerm is not a cop, he is a politician and should be treated as such and have no sway over them, same with thaksin.

Thailand needs an independant police force that does what it is supposed to, this would stop a hell of a lot of the crap we are now seeing and put the reds and yellows to bed, cant wait but it will simply never happen like everything else they plan here.

You are absolutely right but can you imagine politicians and the elite willingly losing control over the BIB, the appointment of senior officers and so on ?

Yes, these two(Police Captain Dr. Chalerm Ubumrung and Police LtCol Thaksin Shinawatra) own and control the police. The sooner we get rid of these elite from Thailand, the better.

[fleeing]

its about bloody time too, an independant police force that worked equally for all thais is way overdue. Actually while they are at it they could also start to do what they are paid for and actually police the country instead of hiding away in their airconditioned offices. A police force that chased after criminals instead oif supporting them would be nice, so would a police force that did road patrols and booked all the bullsh*t drivers/riders, the country would suddenly have a wealth of govt money of they did. Removing ranks once you leave the force should be also high on the agenda, chalerm is not a cop, he is a politician and should be treated as such and have no sway over them, same with thaksin.

Thailand needs an independant police force that does what it is supposed to, this would stop a hell of a lot of the crap we are now seeing and put the reds and yellows to bed, cant wait but it will simply never happen like everything else they plan here.

You are absolutely right but can you imagine politicians and the elite willingly losing control over the BIB, the appointment of senior officers and so on ?

Isn't this exactly why reforms cannot be left to the politicians and 'elites' of either side?

Perhaps that is why the red propaganda machine is so terrified by, and the Democrats so tepid in their support for, the thought of a reform council being formed by people and not politicians.

[noitom]

Cleaning up Thailand means nothing unless they admit their problem - the establishment operating outside the law. It is about equal justice and due process for all regardless of rank and pecking order. Then the police know what their charter is and who is playing the music. Right now the police are just a franchise of bag men operating for the big men and elite.

[DirtFarmer]

Well in headlines it all sounds hunky-dory but in reality it will take reform across the board...every agency would need to be examined and that is a HUGE undertaking... will take at least one generation... and the foundation for it must be in education so the kids don't grow up mimicking the behavior of their elders As a parent three times over.... know full well that the.... Do as I say...not as I do...does not address it... self examination and a willingness to completely "reset" .....but...too much work... we can just reform a lil bit and then have something to eat... not going to be easy...lotta ideas popping up now... wonder if and for how long they will be pertinent...thew people I have talked to here....just want this whole mess to go away..and they aren't really taking sides anymore....they are just tired of all the ballyhoo...and don't really believe anything will change... sad really

Edited February 23, 2014 by DirtFarmer

[taony]

Only "many of them" want to be independent? A start i suppose.

-*I typed this myself*-

[SamMunich]

Police wants independence?

That is about the most hilarious joke I have read since a very long time!

Before the police comes up with any demands, the people of Thailand have lots of things they demand from the police:

* An end to corruption

* stop tampering with evidence

* stop blackmailing and extortion

* and most of all: Do your job! (instead of waiting for Lady Luck or some snitch.)

Giving them independence from control is the very worst that could happen.

[LevelHead]

I like making jokes about the BIB as much as anyone. I've paid my tea money (minimal), and watched as dozens of tourists have been pulled aside for 2000 baht cigarette butts.

But I also appreciate walking the streets of downtown Bangkok at any hour- day or night without worrying too much about my personal safety.

And that wouldn't be possible unless some segment of the police were doing their job- and quite well at that.

Those taking the money for the 2000 baht cigarette butts are not police (they were the same brown colour to confuse tourists they are police in my opinion)

They are BMA people, they are not police. The BMA is run by the Democrat Party controlled Bangkok Governer.

So do not blame the police for that, blame the BMA and its Democrat governer for this scam.

The police are in effect at the moment the checks and balance to the army. it is no secret in Thailand the police and army hate each other. The army are with the Elite, the police with the politicians. Both are armed and both have had many run ins in the past.

You cannot reform the police until you reform the army. It must go hand in hand that the army are reformed and work only for the people and are totally taken out of politics and the control of various elites and retired generals, and then at the same time te police are reformed away from poltician control.

In my opinion of course.

Edited February 23, 2014 by LevelHead

[Scamper]

The police's reputation is so bad in this country that they have actually become for many synonymous with the very problem they are entrusted to protect the public from. So everyone agrees it needs reform. But is reform really going to succeed if suggestions for reform originate from the police themselves ? These suggestions from a police official sound too close to a proposal for an " independent political party ", than a completely unbiased police department, whose sole task should be the protection of the public's constitutional rights and the unprejudiced upholding of the law.Tackling corruption anywhere is going to be the ongoing challenge of reform, as well as being the measure of its success. But tackling corruption will be no less daunting for the police. The more reform is taken out of the hands of the police and placed in the hands of the people - through an act of parliament which adheres to the fundamental rights of all protected by the constitution, followed up by stringent judicial oversight, as well as outreach and ombudsman services - the more the public good is protected.

[AleG]

Wonderful.

Equal protection under the law is one principle of democracy. PTP would hate that principle being restored so expect a lot of resistance.

The first man to go should be the below.

That same man has recently overseen the stuffing of the police investigation departments with loyalists.

I think what the OP is saying is that some sectors of the RTP are sick of this sort of shenanigans.

[EyesWideOpen]

Cleaning up Thailand means nothing unless they admit their problem - the establishment operating outside the law. It is about equal justice and due process for all regardless of rank and pecking order. Then the police know what their charter is and who is playing the music. Right now the police are just a franchise of bag men operating for the big men and elite.

A franchise of bag men ?? I love that turn of phrase. I used to call them

tax collectors with guns.... In any event, I wonder why they have generated

so much contempt from everyone.......Oh I know, really bad behavior.

When there is a new government, I sure hope reforming the police will be

high on the list. I know that Suthep has said as much, sure hope he follows

through.

[JRSoul]

You want to be independent - stop taking the brown envelopes. Or are they just trying to increase their price?

[clockman]

Just dreaming!

[NeilSA1]

Pol Maj Gen Kosin said "... if it did not act in the best interests of the people, then it could be directly reprimand by the public..."

"Not all police officers want to ... work for certain politicians. RTPO should rely on performance evaluations to promote officers rather than look to those who serve politicians..."

Step in the right direction, if it's possible.