Surachate Hakparn . Policing the best management practice in motorcycle youth gangs in Thailand. Doctoral Degree(Criminology, Justice Administration and Society). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2021.
Policing the best management practice in motorcycle youth gangs in Thailand
Abstract:
Prior to 2015-2017, there had been the social disorder in Bangkok caused by the youth motorcycle and juvenile gangs gathering and racing the motorcycles on the public roads without the fear of legal punishment, thus posing the danger to public health and safety. The Royal Thai Police; therefore, took the serious actions in tackling the problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the best practice in policing and managing the problem of motorcycle gangs in Thailand. The study was conducted through the mixed-methods approach. The quantitative sample included 400 police officers who implemented the preventive and suppression measures while the qualitative sample included 25 administrators who supervised the same project. The research tools consisted of questionnaires, in-depth interview forms, and focus group interview guidelines. The findings revealed that the overall perception of the key success factors included leadership, teamwork, performance, and access to remedy. The Royal Thai Police has employed the preventive, extended investigative and suppression measures as the guidelines in 1) the data analysis of illegal street race complaints, 2) the arrest of organizers and supporters, 3) the investigation of muffler shops and manufacturers selling non-certified TIS standard, 4) the setting up of the check points to calibrate muffler noises, 5) the seizure of unlawful motorcycles and the arrest of illegal riders, and6) the establishment of the boot-camp programs to change the behaviors and attitudes of the offenders. It can be concluded that an integrated strategy combining the government, private and public efforts, along with law enforcement and rem eddies are needed. The study suggested that the law should be strictly applied to parents, guardian, and seriously enforced against establish care provider of motorcycle gang members, manufacturers and distributors, and auto shops that have no certified TIS standard motorcycle part and access or, along with the illegal street race supporter. In addition, a family unit should be strengthened. The policy recommendations comprised 3 phases namely 1) the initial phase (monitoring and suppressing) in which the police should have the check points to inspect and seize the illegally modified motorcycle, 2) the middle phase (post-Arresting) in which the training period for the children under 18 years old should be increased. For the drug abuse users, the police should provide the access to the rehabilitation programs, and 3) the long-term phase in which the educational institutions should foster the proper attitudes, values and beliefs for the young children at an early age.