Policemen can ask for a gift of money during the Chinese New Year because it is a tradition and is not considered a bribe, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said on Tuesday.
Deputy Prime Minister in charge of security affairs Chalerm Yubamrung (Photo by Pawat Laopaisarntaksin)
Mr Chalerm was responding to questions after a security camera captured three police officers demanding money from an Indian tailor's shop owner surfaced on the internet.
"It is not unusual for police to ask for tae-ear (a red envelope filled with money as a Chinese New Year gift from working age adults). This has been a practice since before I served in the police.
"I don't think a change of regulations is needed because of this," said the former police captain.
However, he said, the three officers were at fault because they wanted tae-ear from an Indian, not a Chinese. The officers would be prosecuted if they demanded bribes or extorted money by making threats.
"I'm not protecting the police because this is a part of society, of tradition," Mr Chalerm said.