Cops transfer won’t erase endemic graft, critics say

A coalition of civic groups and advocates for police reform yesterday rejected a fresh proposal to bring the Royal Thai Police (RTP) under the control of the Justice Ministry, saying a wholesale redesign of the force was needed.

The network comprising 11 groups and organisations argued that police reform required more than the police department’s transfer from one ministry to another. It would also need a bigger budget to accommodate planned pay rises for the 200,000plus force.

According to the group, the proposal only dealt with the transfer of the police force, the appointment of the police chief and the pay rises, and failed to provide reform guidelines.

“We don’t believe the police force, which acts as the first stage of the criminal justice administration, will operate effectively. Issues which have adversely affected the public for decades will hinder reform efforts,” the group said.

“Efforts must be made to revamp the police force. The issue is not how the police chief comes to power or how much police should make: Bigger pay doesn’t guarantee corruption among police officers will be wiped out.”

The coalition called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to endorse another police reform proposal, prepared by the defunct National Reform Council (NRC).

The NRC’s proposal suggested that some police units such as those responsible for traffic control and immigration should be separated from the RTP and their work should be overseen by other bodies.

The network also demanded that inquiries must not be supervised by the RTP, to ensure greater transparency.

Critics believe police investigations are highly vulnerable to abuses and interference.

The public prosecution service should be authorised to oversee criminal cases carrying a penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment or more, or when they are asked to.

Interrogations must be recorded so that they can be referred to by the prosecution or the court.

“It doesn’t matter who oversees the RTP, be it the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry or the prime minister,” the coalition said.

“Without an overhaul of the police force structures, nothing will change.”

Their statement was in response to the proposal unveiled last Thursday by a special subcommittee studying policing affairs under the joint whip of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA).

It was reported the proposal included salary increases for police for the risky and dangerous work they do.

This would put police salaries at a higher rate than those of ordinary civil servants.

According to committee chairman Pol Lt Gen Bunruang Phonphanit, the police reform proposal would go to the tripartite whip — consisting of the cabinet, the NLA and the NRSA — for approval before it goes to the cabinet for endorsement.

Democrat deputy leader Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday echoed concerns raised by the civic groups, saying moving the RTP to the Justice Ministry will make no difference if structural changes are not implemented.

“Police reform should be carried out with the public’s interest at heart,” Mr Ongart said.

“It’s among the first tasks the regime should have done.

“The country should have seen some better changes by now.”