He who must be obeyed

No, not the suddenly rather quiet General Prayuth Chan-ocha, The Dictator, but the obsessive–compulsive king.

Back in December, the king decided to order changes for security forces. He ordered a new form of salute and forms of military posture for police and military, new uniforms for police so that all wore exactly the same color and ordered new haircut regulations for the armed forces and police.

Some might have thought that this was a passing phase that the king might have forgotten when he jetted off for Germany. But his loyal minions are on the job. As one former cop put it:

Lt. Gen. Songpol Wattanachai … said he took example from the royal guards protecting King Vajiralongkorn, who are known for distinctive khao sam daan haircuts required by the monarch.

“It’s a royal practice,” Songpol said. “Let’s say we are all serving His Majesty the King. So it’s the same direction now. It looks beautiful … it’s good to have this short haircut. It doesn’t hurt anyone.”

Okay, it’s a kid’s haircut, but it is what the king wants for his children-police.

So it is that “40 policemen found out earlier this week they were suspended from active duty, it wasn’t for insubordination or dereliction of duty. It was their haircuts.”

A police spokesman said all police must obey.

Police commissioner Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, also known to associate with the flesh trade, “last week reiterated that all police stations must comply with the new style.”

Some of those sent to inactive posts complained that they had had the required silly haircut but that it had grown back – indeed, hair does grow – but was not “white” enough on the sides.

It seems the cops are at a loose end, so the force has teams of inspectors out looking for poor haircuts. In fact, they are so fearful of the king’s wrath that they behave like schoolyard bullies to their subordinates while slithering before their big boss.