Thai cops fear 'Hello Kitty' punishment

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BANGKOK, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Police with Thailand's Crime Suppression Division are being threatened with a new disciplinary measure -- bright pink "Hello Kitty" armbands.

Division officials said the Japanese cartoon cat will be worn by officers who fail to report for duty, park in prohibited areas, fight or are the subject of poor service complaints, the Bangkok Post reported Monday.

"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."

A second offense would find the officer at the mercy of a panel comprising 18 warrant officers who may sentence the offender to standing guard, detention or other penalty.

"Like a thief, once the first crime is committed the next one is always a worse offense," Pongpat said.