Two years ago Thailand enlisted its 'sweet troop' of female riot police to help deal with the nation's volatile political atmosphere.

Now, 18 members of the 'sweet troop' have been put on the front lines of Thailand's congested streets as traffic police. In a sign of the improving status of women in the country, the new unit, seen as embodying the 'traditional' sweetness and gentleness of Thai women, have been met with positivity.

Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok.