Need to 'cut political interference in Thai police force'

[webfact]

'Need to cut political interference in police force'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE POLICE force should be restructured to reduce political interference and promote efficiency and partnership with local bodies, a senior officer at the Royal Thai Police's Office of Human Resources told a recent Bangkok forum.

Presenting his research on "Police and Thailand's Transition towards Democracy", Pol Colonel Preeda Sathaworn said the police force was a law-enforcement tool for an elected government and a key factor to ensure a strong democracy.

The July 28 event was hosted as part of the Coordinating Centre for Policy Research's Redesigning Political Institution research project and sponsored by the Thailand Research Fund's National Policy and Transnational Relations Division.

Preeda went on to say that several aspects of Thailand's police force had been problematic, and his research aimed to shed light on the force's procedures and adjustments. He pointed out that though the police force's key role is keeping law and order, it faces interference from political leaders who come and go according to the political power struggles. If the power struggle is unresolved, then the police is used to gain political advantage, he said.

Hence, it is necessary to create a structure that will cut down political interference, he said, adding that human resource management and financing should also be decentralised to boost effectiveness. He also said that internal agencies' operations should be reviewed in order to reduce redundancy. A transparent administration system will give lower ranking officers freedom in their work, which will help them become more responsible toward local communities, he said.

Preeda pointed out that removing interference in police human-resource management was necessary, especially when it comes to the top positions. He also suggested a power-check system be put in place for the Office of Police Commission and the Office of Board of Royal Thai Police.

He highlighted proper training for police officers, saying that an improved recruitment system and better funding for inquiry and investigation departments was necessary, as was better wages. In order to facilitate the delivery of justice, he said, police officers in charge of inquiries require training, so they have better knowledge, professional standards, ethics, problem-solving skills and a better system to complete their inquiries. He also proposed that forensic work be decentralised on a regional basis.

Police officers should also be encouraged to build a partnership with local communities and administrative bodies, as well as be better prepared to handle transnational criminals, he added.

Explaining that it was important for political leaders and the police force to have shared goals, a mechanism promoting participation from the political sector, police force, public sector and stakeholders also should be introduced. He said all plans of action should have clear objectives, guidelines and time frames.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Need-to-cut-political-interference-in-police-force-30265766.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-03

[EnzoRippo]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

[lovetotravel]

Corruption is the key problem. Laws, rules and procedures mean nothing if the law isn't being properly enforced, or adhered to.

[BigBadGeordie]

As a side issue, how's it going on stripping Mr T of his rank?

[Charlie Croker]

The RTP HR have dept produced this report which basically asks for autonomy in management, at the same time acknowledging that they are manipulated by governments during political upheavals. (I am guessing to only do their jobs to varying degrees).

He asks that they be left alone to do their job (that means policing communities and upholding law BTW).

After that all that's required is to make things work is

Increased operational budget?

More training and trained staff - for detecting?

Free to manage themselves?

This report is important because it acknowledges what we all know to be true about the Bib and yet asks to be cut free with more cash to get on with whatever they want?

Are they kidding?

Edited August 3, 2015 by Charlie Croker

[WitawatWatawit]

Not criticising, just saying that Col Preeda has not produced anything new. But it's important that this issue be continually kept alive, so his comments are welcome. The main problem with extracting the police force from political interference is that it requires political will and politicians to do it.

And if it was ever to occur, implementation would be an enormous problem in itself. Can you imagine all those self-entitled, jumped up little tossers sitting back and letting their comfy and lucrative life be uprooted? In their arrogance and superiority, would they really be amenable to taking orders from the community which they have raped and pillaged with barely any remorse or being accountable to that community?

[Seastallion]

Political interference in the Police force should be reduced...ONLY once the top brass are incorruptible and apolitically trustworthy.

[Orac]

Certainly sounds like they want to remove accountability to politicians but with no clear suggestion of other options to make them answerable to the general population - perhaps getting a bit jealous of the military.

[Oziex1]

"Thai Police's Office of Human Resources"

​Well, now there's a well paid bunch of bureaucrats I'm sure!

[phycokiller]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

I dont think it works that way in a monarchy

[phoenixdoglover]

I think the Pol. Col. was careful in his remarks, sort of painting around the problems.

I infer his central thesis to be: high level appointments and promotions are often political, and occur because the process is not transparent and a centralized administration is easily influenced. (He's probably being nice by not also suggesting there is widespread graft in the process).

RTP reorganization is one of the big needed reforms, along with a fundamental shift in the accountability of the military.

Unsurprisingly, the NCPO and NRC are silent on these types of systemic reforms.

[ratcatcher]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

I dont think it works that way in a monarchy

It works that way in the United Kingdom.................doesn't it?

I believe it also works that way in most of the other European monarchies and certainly Japan's.

[Seastallion]

"Thai Police's Office of Human Resources"

​Well, now there's a well paid bunch of bureaucrats I'm sure!

Oh yes! Whoever is responsible for hiring and promotion within the Police is certainly a very rich person....and not from his salary.

[godden]

Don't mess with the BUNG

[steveyinasia]

Thai police with "ethics"....now there's a joke.

[chuang]

What about the army.......

[Bakseeda]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

The elected government should have absolutely nothing to do with the affairs of a national police force... and neither are they dedicated to service of the citizens.. many citizens are criminals... right..? The police force is there to "serve and obey" the rule of law..... and certain parts of the constitution. The laws are written by politicians who the electorate have elected to represent them. The police are here to enforce those laws..... The judges are here to judge... guilty or not guilty.... until Thailand gets it right, only the rich will rule... Money talks ..... bullshit walks.....

That's the reason us "Farangs" live here...... Long live the King...

[Baerboxer]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

Nope. Not when an elected government orders them to break the law, ignore the law or enforce it with bias.

The police and military are subject to the law of the land, just the same as every other citizen should be.

Elected politicians are responsible for enacting law, following correct parliamentary procedure. They are not above any laws although some seem to think they are.

The justice system, a key pillar of any democracy, is not effective in Thailand. Period.

[Baerboxer]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

I dont think it works that way in a monarchy

It works that way in the United Kingdom.................doesn't it?

I believe it also works that way in most of the other European monarchies and certainly Japan's.

Think so. But, they don't have governments run by non elected fugitive criminals disregarding laws and procedures they don't like and openly lying either.

How would the police or military in UK or Japan react to a government who issued instructions that were not lawful?

[selftaopath]

Corruption is the key problem. Laws, rules and procedures mean nothing if the law isn't being properly enforced, or adhered to.

Indeed. And without Rule of Law there is NO DEMOCRACY.

[Emster23]

"the police force was a law-enforcement tool for an elected government and a key factor to ensure a strong democracy."

Did such a bang up job when Suthep and his crowd were taking over buildings and subverting election.

But they were warned off by the military (who seem to abhor democracy) to not get involved with arresting those traitors

[retarius]

Police need to do their job ie to enforce laws. Enforcing traffic laws will save 000s of live...instead we have a war on alcohol.

[Srikcir]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

I dont think it works that way in a monarchy

It works that way in the United Kingdom.................doesn't it?

I believe it also works that way in most of the other European monarchies and certainly Japan's.

Perhaps Enzo meant to say it works that way in a REAL monarchy where the military doesn't operate outside the people's constitution.

[Srikcir]

"The Police force should be restructured to reduce political interference and promote efficiency and partnership with local bodies..."

An odd concept at a time when the police are currently under military control, taking directions directly from the Chief of NCPO and PM Prayut.

It has been the NCPO that has made numerous transfers of police officers to inactive posts under Article 44 that deprives even the police of any due process of law. Both the Police and the Military need to be restrutured to reduce political interference.

The NRC and CDC have nothing regarding exercise of military power over civilian governments and the people's sovereignty. Exactly in compliance with the NCPO's agenda - no small wonder.

[Always18]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

I dont think it works that way in a monarchy

It works that way in the United Kingdom.................doesn't it?

I believe it also works that way in most of the other European monarchies and certainly Japan's.

I believe the vital word missing from Phycokiller's post was "absolute"......................

[jesimps]

As a side issue, how's it going on stripping Mr T of his rank?

Crikey! It took four posts for Thaksin to get a mention. Beware the bogeyman.

[jesimps]

Sorry, police and army are dedicated to be at the service of the citizens => it means to obey to an elected gouvernement. The political ideas of the soldiers or policemen cannot interfer with their job. Period.

I dont think it works that way in a monarchy

You been to GB lately?

[Classic Ray]

The difference in the UK is that every police officer is sworn to hold allegiance only to the Crown (King or Queen) not the Government, not their bosses, not even the local people or mafia bosses. They hold an ancient office with individual responsibility and accountability for their actions, no excuse of just following orders.

"A constable is a citizen, locally appointed but having authority under the Crown for the preservation of life, the protection of property, the maintenance of order, the prevention and detection of crime, and the prosecution of offenders against the Peace."

There are strict regulations about having any business interests, especially anything to do with alcohol or gambling, with none being allowed to have any interest in a bar or pub, or any business which may interfere with his or her duty. Officers are also quite well paid now, which discourages corruption.

If similar rules applied to Thai police and the military, and they were given substantial pay rises, there would be the chance of starting to clean up the corruption in the country.

Without these rules there is no chance as they simply are part of the corrupt system with no incentive to do their duty. This was the case in certain parts of the UK in the 50s and 60s until local authority, business community and police corruption were all heavily targeted. Similar campaigns cleaned up Hong Kong and Singapore.

Happy to advise the Thai junta and police force on how to clean up the country, but somehow I don't think my phone will be ringing off the hook. I will probably just be found face down in a gutter somewhere for interfering with the money machine.

[sammygood]

but they are already in charge of everything in the first place

are there illegal activities that goes in this country without the go word from the popo ? casino's, dealers, racqueteering of businesses for "protection", loan sharking, ....