Bangkok police have ordered the Huai Khwang police station to scrap the dragon symbol used to represent the station, but denied 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 number of Chinese-run businesses, some of which were facing scrutiny over nominee shareholding, illicit financial activities and gambling.
The 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 may 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”, the chief said police were responsible only for enforcing the law and inspecting businesses to ensure compliance with the law.
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.
The division commander ordered the station to drop the logo.
