Bribing traffic cops can get you in trouble
BAD NEWS for traffic-law violators who try to get away by bribing: The police have launched a campaign to reward Bt10,000 to any traffic policeman who catches motorists red-handed for bribery.
Two traffic officers yesterday became the first to receive the reward after they arrested a motorist for attempting to pay a bribe.
Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy chief Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak announced that Pol Sub-Lieutenant Seri Triwong and Pol Senior Sgt-Major Narin Fukbamrung from Wat Phraya Krai Police Station were given the awards for rejecting a Bt100 bribe offered by a motorcyclist.
The campaign, which started on Monday, aims to promote and encourage honesty and dignity among traffic officers, who have earned a bad reputation for accepting bribes. Many traffic policemen have been caught on hidden cameras pocketing bribes from traffic-law violators.
Adul yesterday asked people to obey traffic laws strictly. He also warned them not to bribe officers, as the police will now arrest anyone who attempts to use bribery to get out of trouble.
Narin said that while he was patrolling near Krungthep Bridge, he saw the motorcyclist riding against the flow of traffic. He then pulled the rider over, who pleaded to be let go and offered a Bt100 note.
Seri, who was working with Narin at the time, took a photo on his mobile phone and the motorcyclist was arrested on the spot for attempting to bribe a policeman.
They also asked fellow officers not to accept bribes in order to help protect the image of the police.
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