Thai Police Mandate Transparency: Traffic Officers Prohibited from Covering Faces
The Royal Thai Police have issued a directive requiring traffic officers to keep their faces visible while on duty to improve public trust and transparency.
On October 25, 2026, the Royal Thai Police issued a formal directive to all traffic divisions nationwide, prohibiting officers from wearing balaclavas, face masks, or any headgear that obscures their identity while on duty. According to Khaosod Online, Assistant Commissioner-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Nitithorn Jintakanon stated that this policy, ordered by the Police Commissioner-General, aims to ensure officers can be clearly identified by the public, thereby fostering transparency and trust.
For residents and travelers, this means that when an officer stops a vehicle or issues a traffic ticket, they are now required to temporarily remove sunglasses or protective face masks to allow for clear identification. If protection from sun or dust is necessary, officers are instructed to use standard medical masks and sunglasses, but must remove them during interactions with the public.
The directive also emphasizes a shift in traffic law enforcement, prioritizing a 'warn before fine' approach and a 'stepped fine' system. However, serious offenses—such as driving against traffic, running red lights, drunk driving, or illegal street racing—remain subject to immediate enforcement. While the policy is now in effect, it remains to be seen how strictly individual units will monitor compliance across different provinces. This change is intended to improve the professional image of the police force during routine traffic operations.
