Law-enforcement agency? People begin to wonder

Some Bangkok traffic policemen have recently been caught red-handed – on video – demanding bribes from motorists who broke the law. Earlier a Bangkok policeman in uniform was caught on video being chased by a group of men who came to the rescue of a young woman who accused him of demanding sex if he let her dodge a drug charge. 

Another city policeman moonlighting as a taxi driver was accused of raping a passenger. Two other policemen in Khon Kaen were accused of participating in the murder of a local politician, in an alleged guns-for-hire deal. These are just some of the recent crimes that have come to light involving police officers. 

All of the ones mentioned above are seeing their cases handled swiftly, possibly due to the widespread media coverage. 

It appears that many in the force believe they can take advantage of the criminal justice and law-enforcement systems. Greed and lust have more influence on them than their conscience and their duty as protectors of civil peace and order. And they seem convinced that, with the law and corrupt colleagues “on their side”, they can get away with anything. 

Almost every Thai has a story about corrupt or bad police officers. Some have more than just a story. They have direct experience of abuse at the hands of the police, while others hear similar tales from family members, friends, colleagues and people they trust.

We have heard about – and even seen – law-enforcers break the law themselves. Traffic infractions, such as riding a motorcycle against the flow of traffic, are committed so regularly by police officers that we hardly notice them. Others demand bribes for minor traffic offences. Far more bribes come from illegal gambling dens and entertainment venues that break the closing-time rule, accept underage customers or offer sex services.

Some police officers enforce the law only in the hope of collecting bribe money, while many simply demand bribes from violators in exchange for allowing them to walk away.

The Royal Thai Police force is comprised of about 200,000 officers. It’s too naive to expect a totally clean force, with all members guiltless of crime and unacceptable behaviour such as taking bribes. But it is unacceptable for any police force in the world to harbour so many criminals and law-breakers. 

In a survey by Abac Poll, more than 95 per cent of respondents were aware of the police’s vital role in society and their merit in solving crimes and protecting lives and property. But many also said they had been singled out or taken advantage of by police. Others believe they could be subject to extortion any time they see a policeman. Some even felt scared or threatened when police officers were nearby.

When there are complaints that crime is rife, the excuse from high-ranking officers is an insufficient number of officers to deal with the problem. But when crimes are committed by police officers, the excuse is that the police force has too many people to take care. Whether it is because there are too many people or too few, the problem lies with the quality and efficiency of police personnel. There are many responsible men and women in the force, but the archaic hierarchy and the practice of favouritism has buried them in the lower echelons. 

There have been many proposals for reform of the force, such as decentralising it – setting up local police departments in each province and city that would report to the provincial governor. This might be a way to help boost efficiency and reduce corruption. It is an alternative that is worth considering.

The problem of officers guilty of crimes being simply suspended or transferred to inactive posts – as opposed to being charged, jailed and fired from their post, as other citizens would be – also needs to be addressed urgently.