Decentralise the police force
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News of the arrest of the head of the Police Central Investigation Bureau for involvement in bribery and extortion - together with the seizure of his allegedly ill-gotten treasures worth billions of baht - tells so much about how out-of-control the Thai p
It looks like the profits of illegal oil-trading, which happens 24/7 on Thailand’s Southern shores, also ended up in the pocket of the police chief, who was living a very comfortable life in Bangkok.
Criminal gangs that have been extorting millions of baht from innocent and law-abiding citizens are also alleged to be operating under the control of the collared police chief.
To deal with such corruption the government should start decentralising the police force now, so that its powers are not concentrated in Bangkok.
Decentralising will not only reduce corruption, but also ensure that good officers receive promotions commensurate with their hard and honest work.
No more bootlicking, so to speak.
Vint Chavala
Bangkok
