Policeman has the ripe stuff

NONGKHAI: Pol Col Chalong Parkpinyo, Superintendent of Phonphisai Police Station, found his way to the hearts of the people of Phonphisai – by going bananas. Wanting to make his police station a “place for the people”, Col Chalong started several projects to improve the station’s appearance and reputation. But the project that most impressed people was an unrelenting series of public hangings at 12 sites around the station – not of nasty criminals, but of a rather sweeter bunch: bananas. When a bunch ran out, it would be replaced by another, in a sort of never-ending, all-you-can-eat free banana buffet. The local folks were so impressed with his projects, they voted his police station the best in the province. He also received the Golden Garuda award from the Prime Minister and the Khon Dee Sri Phaen Din (Good Guy Who’s a Benefit to the Country) award from the Ministry of Interior.