Thailand Railway Police Division Disbanded After 72 Years of Service

Strategic Insights -

The Thailand Railway Police Division (RPD) has been a familiar presence on trains in Thailand for the past 72 years, since the modern railway system was established during King Chulalongkorn's reign. The Royal Thai Police's (RTP) recent restructuring, implemented under the National Police Act 2022, has led to the decision to disband the RPD. The unit's members will be redeployed to various other departments within the police force.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thailand Railway Police Division (RPD) has been disbanded after 72 years of service, effective immediately.
  • The RPD was responsible for ensuring passenger safety and overseeing various sections along the railway tracks.
  • The RPD collaborated with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to detect and handle criminal activities.
  • The dissolution of the RPD is part of the Royal Thai Police's restructuring under the National Police Act 2022, aimed at streamlining the police force and enhancing its efficacy.
  • National police chief Torsak Sukvimol has clarified that some RPD officers might be reassigned to new units.
  • The local police and SRT staff will take over the safety responsibilities at the train terminals previously handled by the RPD officers.
  • The SRT staff will now be entrusted with the authority to conduct onboard luggage checks.
  • The RPD officers have ensured safe train journeys for countless passengers over the years, as acknowledged by the SRT governor, Nirut Maneephan.

Statistics:

  • 72 years: the duration of the Thailand Railway Police Division's service.
  • 2005: the year the RPD underwent a rebranding.
  • October 16, 2022: the date the revised National Police Act was enacted.
  • Noppawong, Makkasan, Hua Hin, Hat Yai, Nong Khai: locations of train stations where the RPD officers were stationed.
  • Countless: the number of passengers whose safe train journeys have been ensured by the RPD officers over the years.

Sources:

  • Bangkok Post: cited as a source of the news on the RPD's disbandment
  • Takaeshi Ch Facebook page: provided a photo of the RPD officers, now disbanded