The superintendent of Kantharalak police in Si Sa Ket yesterday dismissed media reports claiming that he was behind an order to procure durians for senior police officers who are scheduled to inspect the station next week. Pol Col Narin Bhupta addressed the issue in response to comments made by Thanchanon Sriusadawutkul, the deputy secretary general of the Move Forward Party (MFP), regarding a leaked Line chat that allegedly instructed junior officers at the station to acquire the highly coveted fruits for their visiting superiors.
Pol Col Narin Bhupta stated that he had already issued a strict ban on such conduct, whether it involves receiving items or donations from the public or coercing subordinates into participating in corrupt activities. He emphasized his commitment to ethical practices and integrity within the force.
Mr. Thanchanon had earlier expressed strong disapproval, stating that such orders should not be condoned, even if they are perceived as a “tradition” within the police force and other government agencies. “This practice highlights the most problematic aspects of the patronage system,” he remarked, adding that procuring durians is not part of junior police officers’ duties. He noted, “Even though it is informal, junior officers often find it difficult to refuse such orders, as it would increase their workload and strain their salaries,” pointing out that such practices pave the way for extortionate behavior.
The controversy surrounding the durian request is just one of many similar incidents that have yet to come to light, according to Thanchanon. He stressed the importance of addressing such matters with seriousness. Senior officers need to demonstrate their commitment and political will to eradicate corruption within the force by implementing policies that eliminate such practices and leading by example.
In his call for reform, the MFP deputy secretary general emphasized the need for transparency and accountability to prevent and combat corruption. He called for more channels through which the public can report incidents of graft, urging the government to improve the living conditions of junior officers within the police force. Thanchanon also called on agencies to foster honesty and a sense of duty among their subordinates, promoting a culture of good civil service.
“Regular training on ethics, morality, and relevant laws should be conducted,” he advised. In addition to these measures, Thanchanon suggested that positive reinforcement, such as awards to recognize officers who exhibit integrity in their service, should be implemented. Furthermore, he called for stricter punishments against offenders to underscore the seriousness of upholding ethical standards.
Pol Col Narin confirmed that he has already informed his superiors about the matter and that an investigation is currently underway. The ongoing probe aims to uncover any potential misconduct and reinforce the commitment to ethical behavior within the Kantharalak police force.
It’s outrageous that they are using police resources to fetch durians for senior officers! Talk about corruption!
Totally agree. This shows a blatant misuse of power and disregard for the ethical standards they should maintain.
But is it really that big of a deal? It’s just durians. Maybe it’s blown way out of proportion.
Mark, the issue isn’t the durians themselves but the systemic abuse of power. Today it’s durians, tomorrow it could be something worse.
This is why I don’t trust the police. Too many hidden agendas and corruption everywhere.
Saranya, not all police officers are corrupt. It’s the flawed system that needs fixing.
Agreed, there are good cops out there who want to do the right thing, but the system puts them in tough spots.
True, but how do we make systemic changes without targeting individuals unfairly?
Thanchanon is right to call out these practices. Authorities should set a higher standard for themselves.
An investigation is underway, but how often do we see real results from these probes? More transparency is needed.
Maybe these ‘traditions’ are rooted deeply in the culture. Can we really change it overnight?
It starts with strong leadership and clear policies. Culture doesn’t change overnight, but steps in the right direction matter.
But is it realistic to expect these changes without causing resistance from within the system?
The problem is bigger than durians. It’s about a lack of accountability in the entire force.
Absolutely, we need more ways for the public to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
But Kimberly, how do we protect those whistleblowers?
Jack, there could be anonymous reporting systems coupled with legal protections.
Regular ethics training and strict punishments for offenders sound good on paper, but will they be implemented properly?
It requires a genuine commitment from top to bottom. Only then can policies be more than just words.
Implementation is key, but securing ongoing support and monitoring is equally crucial.
These ‘gifts’ might seem trivial, but they erode trust in the whole institution. Good on Thanchanon for speaking out.
Senior officers must lead by example. Actions speak louder than words.
But guys, let’s not forget some officers genuinely try their best under difficult circumstances.
Transparency is crucial. Hidden deals and backdoor arrangements weaken public trust.
Honestly, I think it’s time for comprehensive reform. Enough with the band-aid solutions.
Ethical behavior isn’t just a policy, it needs to be a core value within the force.
Corruption isn’t just a police problem; it’s a societal issue. We all play a part in enabling or combating it.
Well said, Jai. It requires a collective effort to foster a culture of integrity.
As long as there’s no transparency, such investigations will always be under suspicion.
Durian scandal might sound petty, but it’s a glimpse into bigger issues within the force.
There’s a lot of talk about reforms, but when will we see actual changes? Empty promises won’t cut it anymore.
Awards for those who maintain integrity are a good idea. Positive reinforcement can influence behavior significantly.