In what sounds like a can’t-be-true story, Thai police are required to wear bright pink Hello Kitty armbands against their dull grey uniform as a punishment if they commit petty offenses.
From the Bangkok Post article:
“A pink ”Hello Kitty” armband wrapped around a khaki-clad arm is shouting for attention at the police Crime Suppression Division. It is a new disciplinary measure introduced especially for police investigators who refuse to play by the rules.
Starting this week, the warning will come in the form of the popular Japanese cat cartoon sitting on a heart on a pink background. “The same old warnings no longer work for some officers,” CSD acting chief Pongpat Chayaphan said.
“This new approach is intended to engender a feeling of guilt and discourage them from repeating the offense.” Offenses liable to earn an officer the pink Kitty include failing to report for duty, parking in a prohibited area, fighting, or being the subject of a complaint about poor service.
Policemen see it as a bitter pill to swallow. Most agree it would be quite embarrassing to have to wear the pink armband, which stands out in vivid contrast against their uniform.”
Wow!
