Following previous incidents, the organization has established new standards for police behaviour at security checkpoints in an effort to enhance its reputation.
National Police Chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas released the new instructions requiring officers at checkpoints to keep body camera video for at least 20 days after recording. Additionally, all police security checkpoints, including those established during criminal chases, must be reported to the nearest police crime report center.
The establishment of checkpoints for other objectives, such as general crime suppression or traffic control, would require clearance from a commanding officer or a superior of a higher rank prior to the initiation of vehicle inspections. If a police checkpoint is suspected of extortion or demanding a bribe, the instructions stipulate that the officers involved will be investigated and punished if found guilty, along with the supervisors responsible for licensing the roadblock.
The move followed allegations of extortion involving Bangkok police, a Taiwanese actress and her entourage, and a Chinese tourist in Pattaya. Both incidents included a vaping gadget, which is illegal under Thai law but freely accessible and seen as a possible bribery trap for foreigners.
