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68% of Thailand’s 1,500 Police Stations Fail in Transparency Test
According to Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), 86 percent of roughly 1,500 police stations nationally failed to pass integrity and transparency exams.
The NACC chairman, Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, made the disclosure on Tuesday when releasing the findings of the yearly integrity and transparency assessments (ITA) of government services that directly serve the public, such as police stations and district offices.
To pass, each agency must get an ITA score of at least 85, with a score of 95 or higher deemed exceptional.
However, police stations were a source of concern because their average score was too low, according to Pol Gen Watcharapol.
A total of 111,305 police officers and 830,822 members of the general public participated in the statewide evaluations of Metropolitan Police Bureau activities and police stations. All 1,484 stations received an average ITA score of 67.43.
Only 208 stations passed the ITA test, with 1,276 failing.
Yan Nawa Police Station, which is part of Metropolitan Police Division 6, had the highest score of 99.02 points.
Twenty-four stations received no points. Laem Ngop and Ao Cho in Tak province, Hin Lek Fai in Buri Ram, Mueang Chan and Tum in Si Sa Ket, and Napho station in Ubon Ratchathani were among them.
Apart from police stations, 43,574 officials and 33,206 members of the public assessed district offices in Bangkok, with an overall passing grade of 93.95. Only one district office failed the examination.
The Phasicharoen office had the highest score of 99.09, while Phra Nakhon received the lowest score of 84.28, which fell just short of the pass mark of 85.
In the provinces, 229,490 officials and 602,023 members of the public participated in surveys, with district offices getting an average passing score of 91.21. Eighty-six percent (755 district offices) achieved passing marks, while 14% (123 offices) did not.
Umphang in Tak had the highest scoring district office, with 98.94 points. Surat Thani’s Wiang Sa district received the lowest score of 53.98.
Police Force in Thailand
The police force in Thailand is responsible for maintaining law and order, enforcing laws, and ensuring public safety throughout the country. Here are some key points about the police in Thailand:
- Royal Thai Police: The national police force in Thailand is known as the Royal Thai Police (RTP). It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order.
- Hierarchy: The Royal Thai Police is organized into various departments and divisions, including traffic police, criminal investigation, narcotics suppression, and special units such as the Tourist Police and Immigration Police.
- Uniforms: Thai police officers typically wear distinctive uniforms, with varying colors and insignia depending on their rank and assignment. The uniforms are often quite formal and include a variety of hats, jackets, and badges.
- Tourist Police: Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and the country has a specialized division called the Tourist Police. These officers are often stationed in areas frequented by tourists and can assist visitors with various issues, including lost passports and travel-related emergencies.
- Immigration Police: The Immigration Police is responsible for monitoring and regulating immigration and visa matters in Thailand. They also handle border control and visa enforcement.
- Community Policing: Community policing initiatives exist in Thailand, with officers engaging with local communities to build trust and address local issues. These efforts aim to improve police-community relations.
- Traffic Control: Thai police are also responsible for managing traffic and road safety. You’ll often see them directing traffic, especially in busy urban areas.
- Law Enforcement: The police in Thailand are tasked with enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals. They work in collaboration with the judicial system to ensure that justice is served.
- Challenges: Like police forces in many countries, the Thai police face various challenges, including issues related to corruption, human rights concerns, and occasional political involvement.
- Training: Thai police officers receive training at the Royal Police Cadet Academy, and there are ongoing efforts to improve their professional skills and standards.
It’s worth noting that Thailand has its own legal and law enforcement systems, which may differ in some aspects from those in other countries. The police in Thailand play a crucial role in maintaining order and safety for both residents and visitors to the country.
