Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, responding to recent security cam footage of three police officers “requesting” money from an Indian tailor shop owner, claimed that said behavior was acceptable during the Chinese New Year as it constituted religious tradition and was not merely an act of bribery.
While the Deputy PM admitted that it was not appropriate for police officers to make this type of request of an Indian (who presumably was not celebrating the holiday), he did not foresee a need to change existing regulations on the issue.
Mr Chalerm said that it is common for Bangkok’s finest to ask for tae-ear (traditional Chinese red envelope containing money) during the New Year period.
“”I’m not protecting the police because this is a part of society, of tradition,” Chalerm, a former police captain, said according to the Bangkok Post.
