Thai police officers in khaki uniforms slammed bone-crunching right hooks, grappled and landed devastating kicks on one another in a brutal image-boosting tournament on Tuesday.
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 “Cop's Combat” event, participants competed in three-minute bouts using full-contact fighting styles, from Thai kickboxing to Japanese jiu-jitsu.
The winner will receive a prize of 5,000 baht ($130) and the honor of subduing an opposing “suspect,” Rattawut Jiamsipong, deputy director of the Police Training Centre and co-organiser of the event, told AFP.
– 'Good experience' –
Two officers wearing white T-shirts, khaki uniform trousers and head guards took to the 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 lost in the 85kg bout, said the experience reminded him of his daily job, which often involves coming face to face with suspected criminals.
“Because of my job I am the first to come into contact (with suspects) but sometimes suspects resist arrest,” he told AFP.
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 police officers out there,” he told AFP while watching the match.
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 sentenced to life in prison for torturing a suspect to death while trying to extort $60,000.
A poll conducted this year by the National Institute for Development Administration found that only 10.63 percent of respondents had confidence in the police.
CIB chairman Jirabop Bridai said in the event's opening video that the competition would encourage Thai police officers to stay healthy and “serve the people”.
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