The Policing System in Thailand basically operates under the Royal Thai Polic or RTP.

They are
responsible in sustaining law and order all throughout the country. Royal Thai Police appoints
policing models and strategies to deal with different aspects of law enforcement. There are 7 types
of policing models in Thailand namely:

1. Centralized Policing
• The Royal Thai Police is a centralized organization, having its primary location in
Bangkok.
• The divisions and units within the control of the central government are in charge of
many areas of law enforcement, such as:
o traffic management;
o crime prevention; and
o special investigations.

2. Community Policing
• The goal of this type of policing model is to strengthen the relationship that exists
between the local communities and law enforcement.
• It focuses on prioritizing teamwork, problem-solving, and cautious crime prevention
techniques that is adapted to provide the needs of particular communities.

3. Tourist Police
• Thailand has an attractive tourism industry. This type of policing model is responsible
for helping the visitors and taking care of matters concerning the safety and security.
• Officers in this model are skilled in handling situations which involves foreign visitors
and they also know how to communicate with them with different languages.

4. Specialized Units
• This model is responsible in handling particular crimes and law enforcement issues.
• These units could concentrate on issues including:
o organized crime;
o drug trafficking;
 o cybercrime; and
o human trafficking
• These specialist groups frequently collaborate with other law enforcement
organizations and foreign partners to combat cross-border criminal operations.
5. Traffic Police
• In Thailand, traffic control and enforcement are essential, particularly in urban areas.
• This model prioritize controlling traffic flow, upholding traffic safety regulations, and
lowering accident rates through enforcement, instruction, and public awareness
initiatives
6. Border Patrol Police
• This policing model is responsible for maintaining security along Thailand's borders,
particularly in remote and border areas.
• BPP officers engage in:
o border control;
o combating illegal immigration;
o preventing smuggling activities; and
o addressing security threats along the country's borders

7. Special Investigations
• This policing model deals with complicated crimes such as large theft, homicide, and
corruption.
• To resolve high-profile cases, these groups work with other law enforcement
organizations and utilize advanced investigative strategies

Early Police Structures (Prior to the 19th Century)

• In traditional Thai society, village elders, wealthy people, and community officials
maintained social control and justice systems.
• The power of regional governors, feudal lords, and community officials to preserve law
and order and settle conflicts within their areas of influence was frequently came
together with policing tasks.
Influence of 19th-century Western Models
• Thailand (formerly called Siam) experienced a rise in involvement with Western
countries, especially European colonial powers, in the 19th century.
• Initiating changes influenced by Western administrative systems, King Rama IV
(1851–1868) established a contemporary police force shaped by European policing
ideas.

From the late 19th to the early 20th century, modernization and centralization
• Numerous changes were implemented by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868–1910)
with the goal of modernizing Thai institutions, especially the police force.
• A notable move toward contemporary policing techniques and central management was
the creation of a centralized police force in Bangkok, based on European models.
• During this time of centralization and modernization, the police force increased its role
in sustaining law and order, implementing rules, and reducing criticism.

The Japanese Occupation in the 1940s–1950s Post-World War II Era

• Thailand was taken over by the Japanese from 1941 to 1945 during World War II,
which had a big effect on administration and law enforcement.
• The police force had a reorganization and modernization during the post-war era, while
focusing on institutional development, professionalization, and training.

Political instability and Democratic Transitions (1950s–1980s)

• In the middle of the 20th century, Thailand went through periods of military takeovers,
authoritarian government, and political instability. The goals and practices of
succeeding governments, from military to civilian, were frequently mirrored in policing
models.
• A common aspect characteristic of Thai law enforcement has been the centralization of
policing, even in the midst of modifying political dynamics and leadership.
From the late 20th century until the present, modernization and specialization
• Thailand has experienced various attempts in the last few decades to update law
enforcement procedures, raise professional standards, and deal with new security issues.
Specialized teams have been developed with a focus on issues like cybercrime, human
trafficking, and drugs to tackle global threats and organized crime syndicates.
• Initiatives for community policing have grown in popularity with the goals of
strengthening public confidence, addressing local issues, and enhancing police-
community connections.