Elite Crime Squad

KC- The Bangkok Post has reported that a new elite crime squad has been deployed to deter crime in crowded areas such as Victory Monument and Khao San Road. Known as Pa Cha Da (fearless), the unit contains eighteen, specially trained officers who will ride Honda Phantom choppers and wear black uniforms. The unit has two principal aims: deter crime in city areas and boost public confidence in law enforcement authorities. They have also been instructed to guard VIPs and have been instructed how to deal with hostage situations and demonstrations, during which the unit would "swiftly handle the situation pending reinforcements". -

Phantom riders get their motors running

By: WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

Published: 18/05/2009 at 12:00 AM

The Pa Cha Da (fearless) rapid patrol unit of motorcycle-riding officers is roaring into town.

Members of the Pa Cha Da rapid patrol unit pose before the launch of the unit at the Victory Monument. THITI WANNAMONTHA

The rapid response unit project, launched on Saturday, is the brainchild of Metropolitan Police Division 1 commander Wichai Sangprapai.

The unit is charged with deterring crime in city areas and boosting public confidence in law enforcement authorities.

Pol Maj Gen Wichai said 18 Honda Phantom choppers were chosen for the crime watchdog scheme.

Eighteen commissioned and non-commissioned officers, standing at least 180cm tall, from eight city police stations - Dusit, Sam Sen, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Din Daeng, Huay Kwang, Nang Loeng and Chana Songkhram - were picked to join the unit.

The officers underwent a training programme designed to fight crime, deal with hostage situations and act swiftly against bag snatchers and other thieves. The officers will also assist traffic police in heavily congested areas.

The unit's motorcycles and patrol uniforms cost more than 2 million baht. The officers will wear black uniforms emblazoned with their name, rank and the symbol of the project. They will wear black crash helmets, black glasses and boots, and be equipped with first aid kits. The unit will work from 6am to 6pm each day with two officers operating in each district.

"The unit will focus on crowded areas such as the Victory Monument, Khao San Road, bus stops and in front of shopping malls and electric train stations," Maj Gen Wichai said.

Pol Lt Col Saming Rodrattasa, deputy suppression chief at Din Daeng police station and also head of the Pa Cha Da unit, said his team would coordinate closely with suppression police or existing patrol units.

His team would patrol main roads and keep a close watch on any suspicious activities while patrol units from other police stations would focus on minor roads.

He said police chiefs from each station would take turns to head the rapid patrol unit.

His unit has also been given special assignments to guard VIPs.

If there is a demonstration, the unit would swiftly handle the situation pending reinforcements. The unit would take less than 10 minutes to reach a targeted area.

Pol Lt Col Somporn Choonun, of Din Daeng station, said he was proud to be a part of the unit. He vowed to carry out his task to his fullest capacity.

Pol Sgt Maj Witthaya Nopparat, another member of the unit, said he was trained in weapons use, including the use of pistols, knives and wooden batons. He believed the scheme would reduce the crime rate in the capital.

KC-It seems unlikely that this unit can make much difference to petty crime with only two officers in each selected district although it may well boost public confidence in law enforcement abilities. The real objective behind Pa Cha Da is to neutralise politcal deminstrations more rapidly and to guard VIPs more effectively. It is a response to the events of Songkran invloving the Red Shirts and the threats they were able to make to top politicians. It will be interesting to see how they operate on a day-to-day basis and if there is a demonstration what part they will play.-