BANGKOK – Khaki-uniformed Thai police officers boosted their public image by throwing bone-crunching right hooks, grappling and delivering devastating kicks to one another in a brutal tournament on May 28.
The match, played at Bangkok's Rajadamnern Stadium, came after a recent poll showed just over 10 percent of Thais have confidence in the Royal Thai Police.
So in an effort to improve its image, the Kingdom's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) convened 96 of its bravest officers and pitted them against each other in a full-contact mixed martial arts tournament.
Thailand is known for the traditional kickboxing sport of Muay Thai, in which fighters use any means possible to defeat their opponent, including fists, elbows, shins and knees.
In the police combat competition, participants competed in three-minute matches using full-contact fighting styles ranging from Thai kickboxing to Japanese jiu-jitsu.
The winner will receive a prize of 5,000 baht (S$180) and the honor of subduing the opposing “suspect,” said Rattawut Jiamsipong, deputy director of the Police Training Centre and one of the organisers.
'Good experience'
Two officers wearing white T-shirts, khaki uniform trousers and head guards appeared on stage under a smoky haze of red and blue neon lights.
The two men bowed politely and smiled at each other, but as soon as the bell rang they exchanged punches and kicks as if they were facing real criminals.
Police officer Rachanat Hongtawee, who was defeated in the 85kg bout, said the experience reminded him of his daily job, which involves frequent confrontations with suspects.
“Because of my job, I am the first to come into contact (with suspects), but sometimes suspects resist arrest,” he said.
Despite the loss, “it's definitely a good experience,” he said.
Aek Amorn Preda Akkarakul, a spectator who had come to watch his colleague's match, said people should still have confidence in Thailand's police.
“I want to reassure people that there are still good cops out there,” he said while watching the game.
Thailand's police have long been plagued by a reputation for corruption and brutality.
In one of the most high-profile cases of 2022, a police officer nicknamed “Joe Ferrari” for his penchant for luxury cars was given a life sentence for torturing a suspect to death while trying to extort US$60,000 (S$81,000).
A 2024 poll by the National Institute for Development Administration found that only 10.63% of respondents had confidence in the police.
CIB Commissioner Jirabop Bridai said in the event's opening video that the competition would encourage Thai police officers to stay healthy and “serve the people”. AFP
