A vendor in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan caught the public’s eye last month, deftly preparing the famously pungent durian for eager customers. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
On a related note, the superintendent of Kantharalak Police in Si Sa Ket, Pol Col Narin Bhupta, found himself in the hot seat over reports suggesting he ordered the procurement of these sought-after fruits for a visit from senior officers. Responding to claims made by Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy secretary-general Thanchanon Sriusadawutkul, Pol Col Narin firmly denied the allegations.
Thanchanon’s concerns stemmed from a leaked Line chat, which appeared to pressure junior officers into acquiring durians for their superiors’ upcoming inspection. The practice, he claimed, highlighted the deeply ingrained patronage system within the police force. “Even if such actions are seen as traditions within government circles,” he commented, “they should be outrightly condemned.”
Thanchanon expressed that such directives, though informal, place junior officers in a difficult position. Refusing an order, even one that seems trivial, can be daunting, especially when it jeopardizes their jobs and burdens their already tight budgets.
“These expectations can lead to a toxic environment where junior officers are coerced into actions that verge on extortion,” Thanchanon explained. The incident with the durian was merely the tip of the iceberg, hinting at a larger, more pervasive issue that requires immediate and serious attention.
In an impassioned appeal, Thanchanon urged senior officers to exhibit steadfast commitment against corruption. “To combat corruption effectively, we need policies that target these practices head-on, along with leadership that models integrity,” he stated.
As part of a broader reform agenda, the MFP member advocated for measures promoting transparency and accountability. Key among his recommendations was the establishment of more accessible channels for the public to report graft, and an emphasis on improving the working conditions for junior officers. “Better living conditions and a sense of duty and honesty are essential for restoring trust,” he continued.
Training on ethics and morality should become a staple within the force, coupled with regular workshops on relevant laws to ingrain a culture of integrity. Thanchanon also supported implementing positive reinforcement strategies such as integrity awards, while advocating for harsher penalties for offenders.
Pol Col Narin assured that his superiors were informed of the matter, and that an investigation is currently ongoing. The hope is that decisive actions will not only address the immediate issue but also pave the way for future reforms within the police force.
This whole thing about ordering durians for visits just shows how deep-rooted the corruption is in the system!
I agree! It’s ridiculous that junior officers have to spend their own money on such things. This is clearly exploitation.
But isn’t this just a part of traditional gift-giving in many cultures? Maybe it’s blown out of proportion.
Traditional or not, exploitation disguised as tradition is still exploitation. It needs to stop.
Why are we focusing on durians when there are more pressing issues to address in the police force?
Because it’s not just about the durians. It’s a symptom of larger systemic issues.
As someone who has lived in Thailand, I believe this story reflects the sad reality many face. Patronage and corruption are intertwined and hard to dismantle.
It’s commendable that Thanchanon is taking a stand against this. We need more leaders with integrity.
Politicians often talk about reform, but nothing changes. I’ll believe it when I see it.
True, but every small step counts. Public support can push for real change.
What a ridiculous scandal. They should just let the police do their job and stop nitpicking on every small thing.
It’s not nitpicking when corruption is involved. These ‘small things’ reflect bigger issues.
Training on ethics and morality is a good start, but will it be enough? Corruption is a big beast to tackle.
Agreed. Incentives for good behavior might encourage some change, but penalties for corruption need to be tougher.
Yes, stricter penalties coupled with ethics training might create a more profound impact.
Durian or no durian, bribery has destroyed the essence of law enforcement in our country.
So who’s going to investigate the investigators? Doesn’t seem like Pol Col Narin is trustworthy if he’s part of the old system.
Good point. This just looks like the fox guarding the henhouse.
If junior officers are being pressured this much, I wonder how many other similar orders go unnoticed.
This reeks of a scapegoat situation. There must be bigger fish involved.
Right? They’re probably covering up for someone even higher in the hierarchy.
Can’t believe in 2023 we’re still dealing with police corruption at this level. It’s like we’re stuck in the past.
Corruption doesn’t just disappear with time. It persists because it benefits certain people.
True. It’s just depressing how slow progress seems to be.
Simple solution: Ensure transparency and accountability in all police dealings. Think of technology like body cams.
Body cams are great for catching bribery attempts, but long-term training and cultural shifts are also necessary.
Positive reinforcement strategies can be quite effective. Let’s hope they implement them.
Durian for dignitaries, what a unique twist! But seriously, this highlights some bigger governance problems.
Ethics workshops are essential, but if the leadership itself is corrupt, what’s the point?
Leadership sets the tone. Changing leadership might be the first step needed.