Thai Police Chief Issues New Directives for Traffic Officers
The National Police Chief has introduced new regulations for traffic officers, including a ban on face masks and guidelines for checkpoints during extreme heat.
According to Matichon Online, the Thai National Police Chief has issued a series of new directives aimed at improving the conduct and operational standards of traffic officers. Among the key changes, officers are now prohibited from wearing full-face masks (balaclavas) while on duty to ensure transparency and professional appearance.
Furthermore, the police leadership has addressed the issue of extreme weather, ordering that traffic checkpoints be suspended during periods of intense heat to protect the well-being of officers. In addition to these operational adjustments, the Chief has issued a strict warning regarding illegal activities. Police station commanders (Superintendents) face the threat of being transferred within 24 hours if gambling dens or human trafficking operations are discovered within their jurisdictions.
For residents and travelers, these changes are primarily internal administrative matters. However, the ban on face masks may make it easier for the public to identify officers during interactions. The suspension of checkpoints during heatwaves could potentially impact traffic flow or enforcement frequency on certain routes. It remains to be confirmed how strictly these directives will be enforced across different provinces and what specific temperature thresholds will trigger the suspension of checkpoint operations. Authorities have not yet provided a detailed timeline for the full implementation of these new protocols.
