Policemen showed off their strong arms of the law at a boxing tournament in Bangkok today.

The officers donned head shields and gloves before grappling in Muay Thai matches at the Rajadamnern Stadium for the inaugural 'Combat Cops' competition.

Police chiefs said the sports event would improve team spirit among the force, which has had a tricky year with accusations of corruption and power struggles.

The officers competed in 51 matches across 16 weight classes, where they could fight without regard to rank or seniority.

Male police officers competed in weight classes of 56 kg, 62 kg, 69 kg, 77 kg, 85 kg, 94 kg, and over 94 kg, while female police officers competed in weight classes of 45 kg, 48 kg, 52 kg, 57 kg, 63 kg, 70 kg, and over 70 kg.

Both categories also included an open class with no weight limit.

Winners were awarded medals along with a share of the total prize fund of 300,000 baht (6,400 GBP).

Police General Kitrat Panphet, acting national police chief, said that physical fitness tests are conducted annually to evaluate police officers' readiness.

However, this year, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet, commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, proposed including jujutsu and mixed martial arts in the test.

He said: 'Combat sports are ideal for police officers. They increase confidence, and fitness and teach them self-defence skills, which they may need in the field.'

Kitrat stressed the importance of safety during the competition, with participants required to wear protective equipment from head to toe.