(25 Jun 2005)
1. Policeman directing traffic
2. Tighter shot of policeman
3. Traffic light changing
4. Another policeman standing in traffic
5. Policeman directs traffic passes
6. Tilt-up from policeman's stomach to his face
7. Close-up of overweight policeman exercising
8. Wide shot of overweight policeman exercising
9. Aerobic instructors moving on stage in front of policemen
10. Wide shot of people exercising
11. SOUNDBITE (English): Sranyoo Chanate, Chief Executive Officer Kluaynamthai Hospital Group:
"...especially traffic police. He has to stand in the middle of the junction all day and if he's not fit to perform that, it's going to create some problems with the public."
12. Various of policemen exercising
13. SOUNDBITE (Thai): Sergeant Choi Poesuwan, overweight policeman:
"It's a pressure. I felt uncomfortable. When I sweated, I felt tired and bored, and then it made me lazy to work. But once I joined the jogging club, I did some exercises and then felt my body was lighter. I worked more efficiently and it made me enjoy working."
14. Yoga instructor showing policemen how to stretch
15. Various of overweight policeman stretching
STORYLINE
Overweight police in Thailand have been ordered to slim down in an effort to improve the public perception of the force.
Police officials say overweight personnel present the public with an image that could be seen to symbolise laziness or corruption.
So, in an effort to gain more respect for the force, the Bangkok Police Authority now wants every officers' waistline down below 40 inches (1.016 metres).
The order comes as no surprise.
Recent medical examinations of four thousand and 150 police officers in Bangkok found that 49 percent had high cholesterol levels and were overweight.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau said these conditions could be "an obstacle" in directing traffic on the busy streets of the capital.
It ordered 88 overweight officers, whose waistlines ranged between 40 and 49 inches (1.016 and 1.245 metres), to join the "Smart Police".
As part of this one-month-long weight-loss programme, participants must follow a special diet and meet for daily exercise and evening meals at Kluaynamthai hospital, which is sponsoring the programme.
Many of the overweight officers said they were happy to join the "Smart Police".
Police sergeant Choi Poesuwan said shedding the pounds helped him to work "more efficiently" and it made him enjoy his job more.
There is no punishment for officers who fail to tighten their belts to regulations.
But those who do not show progress will also undergo acupuncture, a Chinese medical practice believed to help cure many ills, including obesity.
Police officials have said they plan to extend the programme if it proves successful.
Keyword - Wacky

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