Police Enforce Transparency Standards at Checkpoints
Thailand's police spokesman emphasized that all traffic checkpoints must operate transparently with clear signage, body cameras, and complaint hotlines to prevent misconduct and ensure public convenience during enforcement operations.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairongpiphat Pivatphan, national police spokesman, inspected traffic enforcement checkpoints in Phetchaburi province on July 7, 2026 to monitor compliance with police directives.
He stated that all checkpoints must receive approval from provincial police commanders and be evaluated for appropriateness without causing excessive disruption to traffic or public inconvenience.
Standard checkpoints must be divided into five operational zones with advance warning signs, checkpoint commander identification, approving officer details, complaint hotline numbers, and QR codes for public performance evaluation. All officers must wear body cameras, and checkpoint surveillance footage must be retained for at least 20 days for retrospective review.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairongpiphat clarified that checkpoints exist to prevent and suppress crime, intercept dangerous incidents, and reduce drunk-driving accidents—not to create public hardship. He acknowledged that some officers may occasionally misbehave but assured wrongdoers will face both disciplinary and criminal prosecution.
Regarding social media posts sharing checkpoint locations, he noted that safety awareness campaigns are acceptable, but deliberately helping offenders evade checkpoints may constitute supporting illegal activity.
He advised the public to verify checkpoints display complete information, require officers to identify themselves and explain inspection reasons, and demand courteous conduct. Complaints can be filed via numbers posted at checkpoints, QR code scanning, or the 24-hour hotline 1599.
The National Police Commander has issued two directives requiring all supervisory levels to randomly inspect checkpoint operations. The Internal Affairs Department conducts additional oversight and reports monthly findings to ensure compliance and prompt correction of deficiencies.
