Police order removal of dragon patches after online backlash

Metropolitan Police Bureau 1 has ordered all police stations under its jurisdiction to immediately remove dragon-shaped shoulder patches and insignia from officers' uniforms after those worn by Huai Khwang police sparked widespread criticism on social media.

In a statement issued today, the bureau said an initial investigation found that officers at Huai Khwang Police Station had been wearing the dragon patches, without authorisation, for the past three to four years. According to the bureau, the patches were created solely as an internal symbol to identify officers assigned to the station's prevention and suppression unit.

It stressed that the dragon design carried no hidden meaning and was not linked to any organisation or group.

The investigation also found, however, that the unauthorised patches violated uniform regulations.

Huai Khwang is home to one of Bangkok's largest Chinese communities, which has grown rapidly in recent years. The district has been nicknamed the "Huai Khwang Prefecture" by social media users because of its sizeable Chinese population and large number of Chinese-owned or Chinese-affiliated businesses.

The dragon patch controversy emerged after photos circulated widely on social media showing patrol officers at Huai Khwang Police Station wearing the patches on the sleeves of their uniforms, prompting speculation and criticism over the origin and meaning of the insignia.