Thailand’s tourist police get cute with new sticker sets on Line

If you’re addicted to Line and have plans to go backpacking in Bangkok, you’re in luck – Thailand’s tourist police force has released a free sticker set that users can download after following a dedicated account.

The notion of a police force-themed sticker set in Thailand might seem eerily Orwellian given the country is currently under martial law. But the Thailand Tourist Police isn’t a real police force – they’re badged officers (some of whom are volunteers) that settle theft, disputes, and other minor emergencies that aren’t uncommon when traveling.

Of course, the free sticker set is just an incentive for travelers to follow the force’s official account, which will disseminate information and direct tourists to bureau’s hotline.

It’s not uncommon for governments bodies to use messaging apps like Line for publicity. In Taiwan, municipal governments for Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taizhong, Tainan, and Kaohsiung each keep active accounts that inform citizens about public safety. Last August, the Communist Party of China reportedly opened a WeChat account. But this is the first time we’ve seen an actual sticker set for something as mundane as a tourist police force. We’ll keep our eyes out for Jingjing and Chacha’s WeChat sticker set debut in the future.

Hat-tip to Saiyai Sakawee for spotting; editing by Steven Millward, top image via Flickr user ianfuller