Seems like Thai cops got some sweet new toys to brag about.

The internet churned briefly this week after news spread that the Royal Thai Police had taken possession of a fleet of Model 3 Tesla electric cars leased for THB89 million (US$2.7 million).

Images of the seven California-built vehicles repainted with glorious police checkers were called out on CSI LA, a popular online clearinghouse for scandals and graft, as an example of irresponsible spending.

“My country is rich. What sustainable living, Thailand. Even American cops don’t use Teslas, even though the price in America is cheaper than Thailand by 2-3 times,” the sarcasm-loving page admin wrote.

The expenditure came to attention thanks to online procurement records – much like yesterday’s much-maligned army APCs. The lease agreement for the seven premium vehicles was published March 27 by the Royal Thai Police.

After being criticized for the luxurious purchase, the deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, Col. Torsak Sukvimol, said not worry, the expensive, high-end vehicles would only be used to protect “VVIPs.”

“Every coin has two sides, so please listen, and you’ll understand,” Torsak wrote online. “The Teslas are leased monthly, and we have seven of them. They will replace the Mercedes-Benz A Class and will be used in the government’s VVIP’s motorcade.”

Those who agree in principle that such escorts warrant more expensive cars might be swayed by his argument they will save money.

“Most importantly, we won’t have to worry about the fuel purchase, because these Teslas don’t use petrol. It will save a lot of money!”

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