Thailand’s Police Chief Denies Royal Thai Police Positions can be Bought

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BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Police Chief claims there was no lobbying for a position in the Royal Thai Police following a recent case involving two police officers.

According to Khaosod the complaint filed by Cpt. Chanchai, he was approached by Cpt. Chanintat last month. Chanintant claimed to know puu yai (influential people) in the national police force that could make Chanchai a full inspector, in exchange for a gift of 700,000 baht. The two do not work at the same station.

Gen. Prayuth said Tuesday The Royal Thai Police must bring this person who offered the bribe [to justice]. If he’s really guilty, I won’t let him get away with it.”

Royal Thai Police Chief Chakthip Chaijinda has instructed Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanit Mahathaworn to expedite the investigation into the case.

He said no police officer has ever attempted to buy a higher position in the Royal Thai Police. The claim of paying to secure a desirable position was merely concocted and used as a ploy by one policeman to trick another into giving him the money.

Although police commissioners pledged to take action, both Chanchai and Chanintat remain on active duty.

The Police Chief urged officers not to believe they could use money to get promoted.

Police spokesman Songpol Wattanachai said Chanchai and Chanintat would be expelled or suspended if found guilty.

Accusations of widespread bribery persist in plaguing the police force, where careers can be threatened by unpredictable waves of transfers and shakeups, and officers are known to often cajole and lobby for desired positions.

Source: Khaosod, NNT