Bangkok police have ordered the Huai Khwang police station to scrap the dragon symbol used to represent the station, but brushed aside speculation by online pundits that the logo reflected the influence of “grey Chinese investors”.
The use of the logo on officers’ uniform shoulder patches has been criticised by members of the public who say it could be perceived as linked to foreign nationals.
Huai Khwang houses a large concentration of Chinese-run businesses, some of which were facing scrutiny over nominee shareholding, illicit financial activities and gambling.
Pol Col Sorasak Thongmee, chief of the Huai Khwang station, said on Thursday that the logo had been in use for three or four years even before he was appointed in December.
He said he did not know who came up with the original idea but it had no hidden meaning.
“It is not an issue. Please don’t link it to Chinese investors or anything like that,” he said.
“It might have been just an idea. Whoever designed it my have just wanted to find a symbol that is easy to understand. Just like on the Thon Buri side, where some (stations) use important places as symbols.”
Acknowledging public concern about some recent developments in “Bangkok’s second Chinatown”, Pol Col Sorasak said police were responsible only for enforcing the law and inspecting businesses to ensure compliance with the law.
The primary checks on permission documents for business are the responsibility of the Department of Business Development, part of the Ministry of Commerce, he said.
In any case, the dragon logo had not been officially approved for use under regulations of the Royal Thai Police, according to Metropolitan Police Division 1.
To ensure that police uniforms are worn in a proper, correct and standardised manner, the division commander, Pol Maj Gen Worasak Phisittabun, ordered the station to drop the logo.
He also stressed that there was no hidden purpose or meaning linking the logo to any group of people.
All police stations under the division’s jurisdiction have also been instructed to review and immediately discontinue the use of any badges, patches, emblems or symbols that do not comply with official regulations, he added.
