Police needs lessons from Georgia

COMMENTARY

Published: 1 Feb 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The news barely made the papers - investigating officers in Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi had decided to drop charges against a police officer for illegal poaching in a national park, a small story for the back pages that probably would have gone unnoticed had some outraged readers not posted it on social media.

All of a sudden the news went viral, the public furious at the brazenness displayed by police officers who were seen as attempting to help one of their own.

The investigated officer, Lt Col Thirayuth Ketmangmee, was arrested with eight others deep in the jungles of Kaeng Krachan National Park last November.

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jamjon01
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Discussion 13 : 01 Feb 2013 at 19.2913
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I see the PEOPLE of Thailand NOW whining as a Pinay, an Indo, a Malay. Where are the bravest people I ever saw? The Thai people have a heritage of bravery and convictions. Now all I see are a swath of whiners; Why us? Oh well? What can I do-nothing? "They" have all the power? NO! The PEOPLE have ALL the power-You just are not using it. You concern yourselves with Yellow and Red like it's some damm separation of intellect thus displaying NONE. V O T E as you would in your own family matters-Don't get caught up in all this political bigotry. V O T E for RIGHT and DEMAND your RIGHTS! This is YOUR country, you can change it now!!!!!
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mrsdonesh
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Discussion 12 : 01 Feb 2013 at 18.4612
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ahh!!! what hope do we have? Today (Friday) BangNaTrad Toll way stopped for some reason. When traffic moving again a 2 police officers (wearing their hat and not helmet) on motorbike,on the tollway, wrong way and in the emergency lane. Wrong on so many levels and they just don't get it. Why should anyone else bother when the upholders of the law disregard it.
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jwatch
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Discussion 11 : 01 Feb 2013 at 15.5111
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"The public's lack of respect toward the police force has been widely acknowledged in public opinion polls, research papers and official reports. "

Watch everyone reward a police officer with the Governorship of Bangkok...proving that, in fact, people think the police are doing a great and wonderful job.
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dao
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Discussion 10 : 01 Feb 2013 at 12.5110
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Georgia is exactly what we need but we voted a fugitive to be power via his puppet sister .So unfortunately it is us who allow the police to be this way .We set the bar even lower for politicians .Why ? I cant understand .Social Media is a good way of putting a spotlight on shameful behavior .Demand punishment .No more of this inactive post nonsense .Fire people .
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pquinlan
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Discussion 9 : 01 Feb 2013 at 12.159
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D2: The comment you quote is in relation to the Georgian police after their major overhaul, not anything at all to do with Thai Police. Only my opinion, but I think if you were to ask the same question of Thai motorists, my guess is that it would be the exact inverse of the Georgian result, ie only 1% had not been asked to pay a bribe.
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paullane
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Discussion 8 : 01 Feb 2013 at 11.068
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I find it interesting the comment about the story only making small back page news. There is little doubt an organised press campaign would at least have some effect. Change needs to be driven from somewhere. A more efficient, and less fearful, press would be a good start.
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raimund
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Discussion 7 : 01 Feb 2013 at 09.337
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Ian, why are you paying tea money? Next time record it and show it on you tube.
In my more than 30 years in Thailand I never gave in to corruption. I pay the full fine and get the payslip for traffic violation (caused by my kids}.
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tcr
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Discussion 6 : 01 Feb 2013 at 08.566
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"Perhaps the Thai people should be asked whether they want a reform or an overhaul. And if politicians are not willing, the people should ask themselves whether they need these politicians."

The last sentence is especially important. The politicians are as corrupt as the police. The Thai people need to rally and get rid of this problem. Best of luck to them on this voyage.
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Ian
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Discussion 5 : 01 Feb 2013 at 08.265
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I look forward to the day I no longer have to pay my monthly "tea money" to the local police, but I doubt if it will ever come.
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robins
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Discussion 4 : 01 Feb 2013 at 08.184
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Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili is not a very good role model for anyone. This is the same insane man who provoked a military conflict with Russia in 2008, which was a disaster for Georgia and was then seen eating his nick tie on worldwide television.
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Police needs lessons from Georgia | Bangkok Post: opinion