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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025