THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Police force is heading back to the dinosaur age

Police force is heading back to the dinosaur age

Re: “Men-only police academy will ‘hamper’ probes into sex crime”, Front page, September 3.

Again the Royal Thai Police shows us why it needs top-to-bottom reform so urgently. Its human resources office has ordered that, from the next academic year, only males will be admitted to the Royal Police Cadet Academy, meaning that chances for females becoming commissioned officers are virtually nil. 
No reason was given, but this year, the RTP allowed only men to apply to be inquiry officials, alleging that females are tied down with family affairs.
Around the world, women have proven that they can contribute to society at large on an equal basis with their male counterparts – and still keep up a healthy and robust family life. For example, Naraporn Chan-o-cha of Chulalongkorn University’s Language Institute rose on her merits to become associate professor while still successfully raising her twin daughters. US Army Lt-Colonel Ladda Tammy Duckworth, who is of Thai descent, fought as a combat helicopter pilot until seriously wounded, and became the first sitting US senator to give birth while in office. Even Saudi Arabia now allows women to drive cars.
The RTP should publicise job descriptions and key performance indicators that are job-relevant, clear, measurable, and gender-neutral for all posts from director-general on down, omitting vague words like “appropriate” and non-relevant ones like “seniority” (it’s accomplishments that count, not keeping a seat warm). 
The police are extremely important in our society’s growth. We need the best and the brightest, regardless of gender.
Burin Kantabutra

nationthailand