BANGKOK — The Metropolitan Police Bureau have addressed concerns over a controversial Chinese volunteer training program, confirming it was organized by Siam University and not an official police initiative.
The investigation was prompted after opposition MP Sasinan Thamnithinan, also known as “Lawyer Jam,” raised questions on social media about a program charging Chinese participants 38,000 baht ($1,100) each for police volunteer training.
Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom ordered an investigation, revealing that the program was independently run by Siam University’s International Affairs department. According to initial findings, the course focused on crime reporting and self-defense training for international students.
Dr. Li Zhang, Assistant President for International Affairs at Siam University, had requested collaboration from the Police Investigation Division 3 through a letter dated December 13, 2024. Pol. Col. Nivet Ngamlarb approved the partnership and assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Kriangsak Chuangwong as program coordinator.
However, questions have emerged regarding the certificates issued to program graduates on December 27, 2024, which bore the Royal Thai Police insignia. Metropolitan Police are currently investigating whether proper authorization was granted for the use of official police symbols.
A fact-finding committee headed by Pol. Col. Suttisak Wantee has been established to investigate any potential misconduct. The police emphasized that this program differs from official police volunteer initiatives, which have strict requirements including Thai citizenship or marriage to a Thai national, and mandatory selection by local police stations.
“If this were an official police program, participants would need to be either Thai citizens over 20 years old or foreigners married to Thai nationals residing in the local police station’s jurisdiction,” a police spokesperson explained. Official volunteers also require endorsement from three credible references and serve two-year terms.
The investigation continues as authorities examine whether any disciplinary actions are warranted regarding the use of police insignia and other potential regulatory violations.
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