Bangkok police to end random tourist searches
Bangkok police have been instructed to end the random stop-and-search policy of tourists following a number of complaints last year.
Police superintendent Khajohnpong Jitpakpoom said random searches will end and tourists will only be approached if acting suspiciously.
"I have instructed policemen under my command to strictly refrain from searching foreigners or asking to see their passports unless necessary," he said.
Most of the random searches had occurred in the popular Sukhumvit area and complaints made against police included demands for money for not carrying proper ID, body searches and even conducting urine tests in public.
These tactics over the last year has strained relations between the police and Bangkok’s large expat community.
"Now it is our job as policemen to provide services to tourists rather than conduct searches. We need to create confidence for them," Khajohnpong said.
Patrol officers are now forbidden from carrying drug testing kits, he said, and urine testing is only permitted at police stations.
"I have told my men to speak like diplomats when they engage in conversations with people. They are asked to speak kindly, without any aggression." Khajohnpong said.
"If we smile, tourists will see us in a more positive way."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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