Thai police tighten grooming rules; media says anti-corruption is key to trust

Central News Agency, Bangkok, June 1. The Royal Thai Police recently issued new regulations requiring officers to maintain good grooming, wear uniforms properly, and avoid inappropriate postures to project a professional image. However, the Bangkok Post published an editorial today stating that while discipline is commendable, the public's distrust stems from systemic issues such as corruption, lack of fair law enforcement, and lack of accountability, not hairstyles or standing posture. A survey cited in the editorial found that nearly 90% of businesses view corruption as a barrier to doing business in Thailand, with over half saying the situation has worsened in the past three years. Common issues include improper fees or bribery by traffic and local police. The editorial stated, "When businesses complain about corruption, they are not talking about trivial matters like hairstyles," emphasizing that trust must be earned through action, not a clean haircut.