If you don't look hard enough, you might not notice them. They're dressed like their male counterparts, but are expected to bring a fresh, gentle approach to enforcing traffic laws in a capital city notorious for its unorganized driving and horrendous traffic jams. 18 female traffic police officers are set to hit the streets of Bangkok today, January 23. Their first call of duty is to patrol and monitor traffic in areas congested due to Chinese New Year festivities, especially the Yaowarat area.

Not huge fans of traffic police, Bangkok commuters probably hadn't noticed that all of the city's traffic officers are men. Today, that is set to change. Police Lieutenant General Worasak Nopsittiporn, the deputy metropolitan police chief, revealed details of the new project, saying the program aims to bring a lighter approach to the enforcement of traffic laws by bringing in female traffic police officers. Female officers are believed to be less confrontational with commuters and are expected to make dealing with traffic police a little more pleasant.

The project first opened up the opportunity for female police officers in all branches of the Metropolitan Police Bureau to volunteer for the job.

However, no one offered to join the program. Police Lieutenant General Worasak speculates that lady officers are probably discouraged by the tough conditions of Bangkok streets. Not only are the officers expected to enforce traffic laws by handing out tickets and controlling intersection lights, they are also expected to be out in the sun, manually directing traffic as well.

However, after some persuasion, 18 female riot control police officers volunteered their services. Despite an initial aim to garner at least 30 volunteers for the project, the deputy metropolitan police chief says 18 is a good start.

The female traffic officers will be dressed in the same uniforms as their male counterparts. However, their motorcycle helmets will be white with pink lining as opposed to the normal red lining for local area traffic officers or orange helmets for officers under the central traffic control division.

Translated from www.dailynews.co.th