New Thai police chief halts roadside drink-driving testing

ASEAN Summit welcoming signs at Ratchadamri Road in Bangkok, Thailand on October 31, 2019. Photo: AFP via Anadolu Agency/Anton Raharjo. Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.

BANGKOK, Oct 3, 2020, Bangkok Post. The new national police chief has ordered the suspension of drink-driving checkpoints until police can ensure the transparency of the tests, Bangkok Post reported.

Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk laid down the order at a meeting with 496 senior police officers, commanders and higher, at the Royal Thai Police Sports Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on Friday.

Pol Gen Suwat, who started in his new position on Thursday, said there must be no drink-driving checkpoints until police can ensure transparency in the process.

“There must not be roadside examination. It must be done at a hospital, so that people can have confidence that they will not be cheated. Until we can do that, we will set them at zero for now,” the national police chief said.

Pol Gen Suwat also said there must be no big gambling dens, online gambling or buying of police positions.

He wanted officers at all levels to be well trained in both the law and tactical operations.

He ordered that police install 5,000 surveillance cameras in Bangkok in four months, saying detectives could no longer make excuses about the lack of cameras.

Pol Gen Suwat promised to listen to his subordinates.

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