Khunying Kasama Voravan Na Ayudhaya has tendered her resignation from the top post at the Office of the Basic Education Commission.
The Obec secretary-general yesterday insisted she had quit of her own accord,without being pressured by anyone.
She believed the time was right for her to resign because she has been working in the post for a long time. As an education reform scheme is being carried out, she wanted to give an opportunity to others to prove their worth.
She was breaking her silence as there had been speculation she had quit.
Education Minister Jurin Laksanavisit earlier remained tight-lipped over reports Khunying Kasama had stepped down.
Although she had quit, she had not left education altogether as she was still a member of several education panels.
Mr Jurin declined to confirm when asked if the Obec chief had quit, saying it was a matter of etiquette that he should not speak first on the issue. He would let Khunying Kasama discuss the matter.
She would hold a press conference about her resignation after the education minister approved her exit, she said.She would remain the Obec chief until Oct 26, the day she turns 60.
A source at the Obec said Khunying Kasama had tendered her resignation several months ago, but the minister had put her departure on hold. He just approved the resignation letter last week.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
TAT chairman steps down amid protests
Staff angry at transfer of deputy governors
Weerasak Kohsurat has stepped down as chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand following a staff protest over the board's decision to transfer TAT deputy governors.
Mr Weerasak tendered his resignation with immediate effect yesterday to Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa.
Mr Weerasak will take up the position of director of the International Institute for Trade and Development,a post for which he was selected by the IITD board and planned to hold concurrently before his resignation from the TAT.
Staff members were reportedly upset with the TAT board resolution of Sept 15 to transfer the deputy governors. The meeting was chaired by Mr Weerasak.
The resolution ordered the reshuffle of the deputy governors and controversially assigned some to two or three responsibilities.
TAT staff criticised the resolution as shameful and said they saw it as serving the interests of politicians.
They earlier protested and demanded Mr Weerasak's ouster for allegedly allowing politicians to interfere in their work and spending the state enterprise's funding inappropriately.
The TAT board resolved last week to demote Akkapol Phrueksawan, the deputy governor for tourism products,to a position of adviser with no administrative authority.
Mr Akkapol was earlier considered one of the favourites to take up the TAT governorship.
The TAT board resolved to move Pensuda Phrai-aram, the deputy TAT governor for administration, to replace Mr Akkapol as deputy governor for tourism products.
Mrs Pensuda was also assigned the job of caretaker TAT governor until a
permanent officer was appointed.
The TAT board also offered Surapol Sawetseranee,deputy governor for policy and planning, the position of deputy governor for marketing communications.
The resolution takes effect on Oct 1.
The TAT labour union is said to be considering protests to show its opposition to the moves.A union source said not all members of the TAT management agreed with the resolution.
The union would hold talks with the management before deciding whether to go ahead with a rally.
Unionists want to know why Mr Akkapol was moved to an inactive post and why international markets had been split into two positions - a deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific,and a deputy governor for Europe,Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.
Weerasak Kohsurat has stepped down as chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand following a staff protest over the board's decision to transfer TAT deputy governors.
Mr Weerasak tendered his resignation with immediate effect yesterday to Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa.
Mr Weerasak will take up the position of director of the International Institute for Trade and Development,a post for which he was selected by the IITD board and planned to hold concurrently before his resignation from the TAT.
Staff members were reportedly upset with the TAT board resolution of Sept 15 to transfer the deputy governors. The meeting was chaired by Mr Weerasak.
The resolution ordered the reshuffle of the deputy governors and controversially assigned some to two or three responsibilities.
TAT staff criticised the resolution as shameful and said they saw it as serving the interests of politicians.
They earlier protested and demanded Mr Weerasak's ouster for allegedly allowing politicians to interfere in their work and spending the state enterprise's funding inappropriately.
The TAT board resolved last week to demote Akkapol Phrueksawan, the deputy governor for tourism products,to a position of adviser with no administrative authority.
Mr Akkapol was earlier considered one of the favourites to take up the TAT governorship.
The TAT board resolved to move Pensuda Phrai-aram, the deputy TAT governor for administration, to replace Mr Akkapol as deputy governor for tourism products.
Mrs Pensuda was also assigned the job of caretaker TAT governor until a
permanent officer was appointed.
The TAT board also offered Surapol Sawetseranee,deputy governor for policy and planning, the position of deputy governor for marketing communications.
The resolution takes effect on Oct 1.
The TAT labour union is said to be considering protests to show its opposition to the moves.A union source said not all members of the TAT management agreed with the resolution.
The union would hold talks with the management before deciding whether to go ahead with a rally.
Unionists want to know why Mr Akkapol was moved to an inactive post and why international markets had been split into two positions - a deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific,and a deputy governor for Europe,Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.
Meeting turns to mayhem as tempers flare
Suthep tires of disputes over police reshuffle
A meeting on the reassignment of senior police officers has erupted into a heated argument, forcing its closure after just 90 minutes.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who chaired the Police Commission's qualifications screening board yesterday in his position as acting prime minister, refused to allow the meeting to continue because of the arguments.
Deputy police chief Priewpan Damapong said after the meeting the screening board members had been unable to reach an agreement on the reshuffle list.
Other members of the board included Pol Gens Wongkot Suthep: No Maneerin, Wirot agreement Phaholwech,Chumpol Manmai, Jongrak Juthanond,Watcharapol Prasarnratchakit and Pateep Tanprasert.
The meeting yesterday considered the reshuffle list of police generals below the rank of national police chief proposed by acting police chief Thanee Somboonsap.
Pol Gen Watcharapol, who is also the police spokesman, said several Police Commission members suggested during the meeting that the reshuffle be considered after the government had appointed the new national police chief.
He said the board members all had different suggestions and Mr Suthep adjourned the meeting after failing to arrive at a consensus.
The Police Commission has yet to appoint a new police chief to succeed Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon,who resigned after the the National Anti-Corruption Commission charged him with criminal and disciplinary offences over the Oct 7 protest crackdown.
Pol Gen Thanee, who is to retire at the end of this month, has been serving as acting police chief.
Pol Gen Watcharapol said board member Pol Gen Pichit Khuantechakup, a police affairs expert, was the first to suggest that the reshuffle of
the police generals be done after the appointment of the national police chief.
Pol Gen Pichit's suggestion won support from several other Pichit: Supports board mempolice reshuffle bers including AttorneyGeneral Chaikasem Nitisiri, Pol Capt Purachai Piumsombun, Pol Lt Gen Amnuay Ditthakawee and Pol Gen Bunpen Bampen.
Consequently, Mr Suthep decided to adjourn the meeting, Pol Gen Watcharapol said.
Mr Suthep said all of the senior police officers had agreed the reshuffle should be concluded by the end of this month.
But it did not matter if that could not be achieved, he said.
Police sources yesterday speculated Mr Suthep had decided to adjourn the heated meeting because he and his allies were unhappy with the reshuffle list.
A meeting on the reassignment of senior police officers has erupted into a heated argument, forcing its closure after just 90 minutes.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who chaired the Police Commission's qualifications screening board yesterday in his position as acting prime minister, refused to allow the meeting to continue because of the arguments.
Deputy police chief Priewpan Damapong said after the meeting the screening board members had been unable to reach an agreement on the reshuffle list.
Other members of the board included Pol Gens Wongkot Suthep: No Maneerin, Wirot agreement Phaholwech,Chumpol Manmai, Jongrak Juthanond,Watcharapol Prasarnratchakit and Pateep Tanprasert.
The meeting yesterday considered the reshuffle list of police generals below the rank of national police chief proposed by acting police chief Thanee Somboonsap.
Pol Gen Watcharapol, who is also the police spokesman, said several Police Commission members suggested during the meeting that the reshuffle be considered after the government had appointed the new national police chief.
He said the board members all had different suggestions and Mr Suthep adjourned the meeting after failing to arrive at a consensus.
The Police Commission has yet to appoint a new police chief to succeed Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon,who resigned after the the National Anti-Corruption Commission charged him with criminal and disciplinary offences over the Oct 7 protest crackdown.
Pol Gen Thanee, who is to retire at the end of this month, has been serving as acting police chief.
Pol Gen Watcharapol said board member Pol Gen Pichit Khuantechakup, a police affairs expert, was the first to suggest that the reshuffle of
the police generals be done after the appointment of the national police chief.
Pol Gen Pichit's suggestion won support from several other Pichit: Supports board mempolice reshuffle bers including AttorneyGeneral Chaikasem Nitisiri, Pol Capt Purachai Piumsombun, Pol Lt Gen Amnuay Ditthakawee and Pol Gen Bunpen Bampen.
Consequently, Mr Suthep decided to adjourn the meeting, Pol Gen Watcharapol said.
Mr Suthep said all of the senior police officers had agreed the reshuffle should be concluded by the end of this month.
But it did not matter if that could not be achieved, he said.
Police sources yesterday speculated Mr Suthep had decided to adjourn the heated meeting because he and his allies were unhappy with the reshuffle list.
BEC'S KASAMA HANDS IN HER RESIGNATION
Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit yesterday admitted that Basic Education Commission secretarygeneral Kunyhing Kasama Varawan Na Ayuthya had submitted her resignation.
He declined to comment on Kasam's reason for quitting, saying out of courtesy Kasama should be the one who explained it.
Jurin claimed there was no work conflict or pressure and that he had worked with Kasam harmoniously.
His comments were made yesterday while explaining a proposal to find replacements for level10 officials retiring next month. He said the plan would miss Cabinet's meeting today because of PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's absence.
Kasama admitted she had submitted the resignation letter but not because of any work conflict or pressure from others. She had intended for a long time to retire when she became 60 because she had worked for so long.
Since secondround educational reform was at a turning point and the Thai Khemkaeng stimulus package had begun, she wanted to give an opportunity to others to work in full swing and with continuity, she said.
"Even though I quit the post, I won't be out of the education circle because I still work as an educational committee member," she said, adding she would hold a press conference after her resignation was approved.
Kasama said she would remain in the post until October 26, which was also her 60th birthday anniversary.
He declined to comment on Kasam's reason for quitting, saying out of courtesy Kasama should be the one who explained it.
Jurin claimed there was no work conflict or pressure and that he had worked with Kasam harmoniously.
His comments were made yesterday while explaining a proposal to find replacements for level10 officials retiring next month. He said the plan would miss Cabinet's meeting today because of PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's absence.
Kasama admitted she had submitted the resignation letter but not because of any work conflict or pressure from others. She had intended for a long time to retire when she became 60 because she had worked for so long.
Since secondround educational reform was at a turning point and the Thai Khemkaeng stimulus package had begun, she wanted to give an opportunity to others to work in full swing and with continuity, she said.
"Even though I quit the post, I won't be out of the education circle because I still work as an educational committee member," she said, adding she would hold a press conference after her resignation was approved.
Kasama said she would remain in the post until October 26, which was also her 60th birthday anniversary.
Reshuffle list goes before commission
The Police Commission meets today to approve a reshuffle list of police generals.
The approval by the commission meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, is not expected to affect the vote on the next police chief,which is likely to be held on another day.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who left last night on a week-long overseas trip, is confident the board of the Royal Thai Police Office will not appoint the new police chief during his absence.
However, the Police Commission will have to meet today to approve the list of police generals as it faces time constraints.
The decision on the police chief is pending after previous two meetings failed to reach an agreement.
Mr Abhisit, who left last night for the UN General Assembly in New York, has asked Mr Suthep to stand in for him as chairman of the Police Commission.
He said the reshuffle list must be approved before Oct 1, the start of the 2010 fiscal year.
He brushed aside claims deputy national police chief Thanee Somboonsap,who is acting police chief and retires this month, should not have a say on the reshuffle list.
The police commission will consider the list, and Pol Gen Thanee is a member of the commission.
Mr Abhisit said the reshuffle list would be fair and would not cause any conflict in the force.
A source said Pol Gen Thanee spent several hours at the Royal Thai Police Office yesterday preparing the reshuffle list of officers from the rank of deputy police chiefs to police commanders.
A screening panel, made up of deputy police chiefs and police inspectorsgeneral, will consider the list at 8.30am,then send it to the Police Commission in the afternoon. If the list was found to be unsuitable, the commission could oppose it.
Pol Gen Noppadol Somboonsap, another member of the commission, said the meeting must be held as any delay would affect several police generals on the list who would lose their rights to receive royal decorations.
Requests for royal decorations have to be made before Sept 30.
The approval by the commission meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, is not expected to affect the vote on the next police chief,which is likely to be held on another day.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who left last night on a week-long overseas trip, is confident the board of the Royal Thai Police Office will not appoint the new police chief during his absence.
However, the Police Commission will have to meet today to approve the list of police generals as it faces time constraints.
The decision on the police chief is pending after previous two meetings failed to reach an agreement.
Mr Abhisit, who left last night for the UN General Assembly in New York, has asked Mr Suthep to stand in for him as chairman of the Police Commission.
He said the reshuffle list must be approved before Oct 1, the start of the 2010 fiscal year.
He brushed aside claims deputy national police chief Thanee Somboonsap,who is acting police chief and retires this month, should not have a say on the reshuffle list.
The police commission will consider the list, and Pol Gen Thanee is a member of the commission.
Mr Abhisit said the reshuffle list would be fair and would not cause any conflict in the force.
A source said Pol Gen Thanee spent several hours at the Royal Thai Police Office yesterday preparing the reshuffle list of officers from the rank of deputy police chiefs to police commanders.
A screening panel, made up of deputy police chiefs and police inspectorsgeneral, will consider the list at 8.30am,then send it to the Police Commission in the afternoon. If the list was found to be unsuitable, the commission could oppose it.
Pol Gen Noppadol Somboonsap, another member of the commission, said the meeting must be held as any delay would affect several police generals on the list who would lose their rights to receive royal decorations.
Requests for royal decorations have to be made before Sept 30.
Monday, September 21, 2009
PM ADVISED NOT TO COMPROMISE OVER POLICE CHIEF
Senior Democrats have advised Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House rather than yield to pressure in picking the new National Police chief, a source said yesterday.
The source, who asked not to be named, said the senior Democrats insisted that Abhisit push Pol General Patheep Tanprasert for the top police post rather than Pol General Jumpol Manmai.
If Abhisit yields to pressure and appoints Jumpol, he would be attacked for lacking leadership. Moreover, the coalition parties would demand more from the Democrat. It would hurt his administration eventually, the source quoted senior Democrats as saying.
Abhisit must maintain the Democrat's stance although secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban and PM's secretary-general Niphon Promphan had made deals with coalition parties. The deals included Constitution amendment without establishing the Constitution Drafting Assembly and changing the election system with which the Democrats disagreed.
After dissolving the House, the next election should still be under the 2007 charter, which benefits the Democrats, the source said.
"The senior Democrats told Abhisit not to worry about being in the opposition again after House dissolution. But the party needs to keep its stance rather than bowing to the coalition parties' requests. That would only hurt the party," the source said.
The source, who asked not to be named, said the senior Democrats insisted that Abhisit push Pol General Patheep Tanprasert for the top police post rather than Pol General Jumpol Manmai.
If Abhisit yields to pressure and appoints Jumpol, he would be attacked for lacking leadership. Moreover, the coalition parties would demand more from the Democrat. It would hurt his administration eventually, the source quoted senior Democrats as saying.
Abhisit must maintain the Democrat's stance although secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban and PM's secretary-general Niphon Promphan had made deals with coalition parties. The deals included Constitution amendment without establishing the Constitution Drafting Assembly and changing the election system with which the Democrats disagreed.
After dissolving the House, the next election should still be under the 2007 charter, which benefits the Democrats, the source said.
"The senior Democrats told Abhisit not to worry about being in the opposition again after House dissolution. But the party needs to keep its stance rather than bowing to the coalition parties' requests. That would only hurt the party," the source said.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Another delay to Yanyong's appointment
The prime minister has put the Commerce Ministry's proposed appointment of Yanyong Puangrat as the permanent secretary on hold for another week.
Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday told the weekly cabinet meeting the nomination of Mr Yanyong, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, was being delayed for another week so he could have a "face-to-face" meeting with the man first.
The proposed appointment was put on hold yesterday for a third week.
"There are still many government policies that I want to make him understand, especially the promotion of the agricultural production policy," he said.
Mr Abhisit has asked Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai to invite Mr Yanyong for a meeting at Government House.
Never before has a Thai prime minister summoned a candidate for the post of permanent secretary to discuss his vision.
Mr Yanyong, who has three years before mandatory retirement in 2012,is said to be at odds with Mr Abhisit over the crop pricing policy.
Mr Yanyong's involvement in the Commerce Ministry's investigation of Kularb Kaew, a company accused of being a nominee for Singapore's Temasek Holdings, which now owns former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Shin Corp, could have caused the Democrat Party to have second thoughts over the nomination.
However, the prime minister insisted yesterday the postponement was neither being made due to political or personal reasons.
Apart from the sale of agricultural produce, especially corn and tapioca,he said he wanted Mr Yanyong to pay attention to a policy that would guarantee higher income for farmers.
Mrs Porntiva said after the cabinet meeting she and Mr Yanyong would meet Mr Abhisit today.
The cabinet approved the other proposed appointments involving key positions at other ministries.
The Transport Ministry saw Supoj Saplom, its Highways Department chief, promoted to the post of new permanent secretary.
Deputy public health permanent secretary Paijit Warachit was named the new permanent secretary for pu-
lic health.
Dr Paijit, who is responsible for the fight against bird flu and the type-A (H1N1) flu, was considered a dark horse.
It is believed his clean record helped him beat Medical Services Department director-general Raywat Wisrutvej, Medical Sciences Department chief Manit Teeratantikanon and the most senior deputy permanent secretary, Chaktham Dhammajak, to the top job.
The Interior Ministry's Pairat Sakolphan, director-general of the Community Development Department,was promoted to head the Local Administration Promotion Department.
The ministry also saw the reshuffle of governors in several southern and central provinces.
Surat Thani governor Pracha Terat was made an inspector-general and replaced by his deputy, Damri Boonjing.
Yala governor Thira Mintarasak was named Nakhon Si Thammarat governor, and Narathiwat governor Winai Kharuwannapat was appointed the new Phatthalung governor.
Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday told the weekly cabinet meeting the nomination of Mr Yanyong, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, was being delayed for another week so he could have a "face-to-face" meeting with the man first.
The proposed appointment was put on hold yesterday for a third week.
"There are still many government policies that I want to make him understand, especially the promotion of the agricultural production policy," he said.
Mr Abhisit has asked Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai to invite Mr Yanyong for a meeting at Government House.
Never before has a Thai prime minister summoned a candidate for the post of permanent secretary to discuss his vision.
Mr Yanyong, who has three years before mandatory retirement in 2012,is said to be at odds with Mr Abhisit over the crop pricing policy.
Mr Yanyong's involvement in the Commerce Ministry's investigation of Kularb Kaew, a company accused of being a nominee for Singapore's Temasek Holdings, which now owns former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Shin Corp, could have caused the Democrat Party to have second thoughts over the nomination.
However, the prime minister insisted yesterday the postponement was neither being made due to political or personal reasons.
Apart from the sale of agricultural produce, especially corn and tapioca,he said he wanted Mr Yanyong to pay attention to a policy that would guarantee higher income for farmers.
Mrs Porntiva said after the cabinet meeting she and Mr Yanyong would meet Mr Abhisit today.
The cabinet approved the other proposed appointments involving key positions at other ministries.
The Transport Ministry saw Supoj Saplom, its Highways Department chief, promoted to the post of new permanent secretary.
Deputy public health permanent secretary Paijit Warachit was named the new permanent secretary for pu-
lic health.
Dr Paijit, who is responsible for the fight against bird flu and the type-A (H1N1) flu, was considered a dark horse.
It is believed his clean record helped him beat Medical Services Department director-general Raywat Wisrutvej, Medical Sciences Department chief Manit Teeratantikanon and the most senior deputy permanent secretary, Chaktham Dhammajak, to the top job.
The Interior Ministry's Pairat Sakolphan, director-general of the Community Development Department,was promoted to head the Local Administration Promotion Department.
The ministry also saw the reshuffle of governors in several southern and central provinces.
Surat Thani governor Pracha Terat was made an inspector-general and replaced by his deputy, Damri Boonjing.
Yala governor Thira Mintarasak was named Nakhon Si Thammarat governor, and Narathiwat governor Winai Kharuwannapat was appointed the new Phatthalung governor.
Monday, September 14, 2009
PM denies police chief meeting plan
The prime minister says he has no plans to call a meeting of the police board on Friday to discuss the national police chief issue.
Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said media reports he had scheduled the meeting one day before he leaves for the United Nations General Assembly in New York were "pure speculation".
He said the meeting schedule was pending further checks on "conflicting information" the board had received and on details that board members had discussed at the past meeting.
Some board members had received similar information but with significantly different details and a verification of the information was needed, he said.
The prime minister did not elaborate,saying only the next meeting of the board could not be held until all board members had verified the particular information and had agreed unanimously on it.
Mr Abhisit refused to confirm reports that Pol Gen Suthep Thammarak had threatened to resign as a member of the police board. He said he was unable to say whether the reports were true.
He confirmed in his weekly radio and television address yesterday that outgoing national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon had been transferred to an inactive post at Government House after he was found by the National AntiCorruption Commission to have violated the law in last year's Oct 7 police crackdown on anti-government demonstrators at parliament.
The NACC ruling required Pol Gen Patcharawat to step down as national police chief, Mr Abhisit said.
Meanwhile, a human rights group has called on the government to place police reform on the national agenda.
Metha Maskhao, secretary-general of the Campaign for Human Rights,said the government should consider adopting the Surayud Chulanont government's ideas and guidelines drafted by a police committee on reforming the police force.
The Campaign for Human Rights plans to launch a new website, Police Watch, as a channel for people to sub-mit complaints about police, he said.The group called for a speedy and straightforward investigation into reports that two senior police officers were behind the recent bomb attack on a house owned until recently by a NACC member.
The group urged the prime minister to appoint an officer who cared about human rights to head the national police force.
Many serious human rights violations remained unresolved and the new police chief must lead the police in investigating these cases, Mr Metha said.
Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said media reports he had scheduled the meeting one day before he leaves for the United Nations General Assembly in New York were "pure speculation".
He said the meeting schedule was pending further checks on "conflicting information" the board had received and on details that board members had discussed at the past meeting.
Some board members had received similar information but with significantly different details and a verification of the information was needed, he said.
The prime minister did not elaborate,saying only the next meeting of the board could not be held until all board members had verified the particular information and had agreed unanimously on it.
Mr Abhisit refused to confirm reports that Pol Gen Suthep Thammarak had threatened to resign as a member of the police board. He said he was unable to say whether the reports were true.
He confirmed in his weekly radio and television address yesterday that outgoing national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon had been transferred to an inactive post at Government House after he was found by the National AntiCorruption Commission to have violated the law in last year's Oct 7 police crackdown on anti-government demonstrators at parliament.
The NACC ruling required Pol Gen Patcharawat to step down as national police chief, Mr Abhisit said.
Meanwhile, a human rights group has called on the government to place police reform on the national agenda.
Metha Maskhao, secretary-general of the Campaign for Human Rights,said the government should consider adopting the Surayud Chulanont government's ideas and guidelines drafted by a police committee on reforming the police force.
The Campaign for Human Rights plans to launch a new website, Police Watch, as a channel for people to sub-mit complaints about police, he said.The group called for a speedy and straightforward investigation into reports that two senior police officers were behind the recent bomb attack on a house owned until recently by a NACC member.
The group urged the prime minister to appoint an officer who cared about human rights to head the national police force.
Many serious human rights violations remained unresolved and the new police chief must lead the police in investigating these cases, Mr Metha said.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
New vote on police chief weeks away
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will leave for the United States next weekend with the issue of a new national police chief likely to be left in the air.
YOU’RE THE MAN: PM Abhisit Vejjajiva chats with acting national police chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap during a coffee stop at a petrol station in Maha Rat district in Ayutthaya. The pair were on their way back to Bangkok after a visit to Lop Buri.
Permanent security for justice Kittipong Kitiyarak, who is one of 11 members of the board of the Royal Thai Police Office, returns from an overseas trip on Friday.
This has led to speculation that Mr Abhisit may call a new meeting before he leaves for the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday.
Mr Abhisit will be in the US from Sept 20 to 27.
But sources close to the prime minister said the prime minister was unlikely to finalise the choice for the new police leader before his departure for New York.
The prime minister has not called a new board meeting since his choice of police inspector-general Pateep Tanprasert was voted down at the previous gathering on Aug 20.
Although the prime minister has lobbied other members of the board to secure votes for Pol Gen Pateep, he will not set a new meeting date until his choice is guaranteed, the sources added.
The prime minister also was trying to put an end to rumours that his supporters were defecting to vote for a rival candidate.
Pol Gen Pateep's rival is deputy police chief Chumpol Manmai. The prime minister nominated only Pol Gen Pateep for the job last month.
"The prime minister miscalculated the board's reaction. He wants to make sure the mistake will not happen again," a source close to him said.
Sirichok Sopha, a Democrat MP for Songkhla who works closely with the prime minister, said Mr Abhisit's choice remained unchanged.
The selection of the top police officer has to be made by the end of the month as acting national police chief Thani Somboonsap and incumbent police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon will retire after Sept 30.
Pol Gen Patcharawat was ordered to work at the PM's Office after the National Anti-Corruption Commission criticised his role in the crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy protesters on Oct 7.
As a result of the transfer, Pol Gen Thani will sit on the board instead of Pol Gen Patcharawat.
The sources said Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, another board member, would switch his choice for police chief from Pol Gen Chumpol to Pol Gen Pateep. But Mr Chavarat did not make clear his position yesterday, saying only that he would vote for the candidate supported by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Niphon Prompan, who is the prime minister's secretary-general.
Although Mr Suthep and Mr Niphon are not on the board, they play a key role in the selection process. The pair once wanted Pol Gen Chumpol to be the new police leader. But a source said the two would eventually end up taking the same line as the prime minister.
YOU’RE THE MAN: PM Abhisit Vejjajiva chats with acting national police chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap during a coffee stop at a petrol station in Maha Rat district in Ayutthaya. The pair were on their way back to Bangkok after a visit to Lop Buri.
Permanent security for justice Kittipong Kitiyarak, who is one of 11 members of the board of the Royal Thai Police Office, returns from an overseas trip on Friday.
This has led to speculation that Mr Abhisit may call a new meeting before he leaves for the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday.
Mr Abhisit will be in the US from Sept 20 to 27.
But sources close to the prime minister said the prime minister was unlikely to finalise the choice for the new police leader before his departure for New York.
The prime minister has not called a new board meeting since his choice of police inspector-general Pateep Tanprasert was voted down at the previous gathering on Aug 20.
Although the prime minister has lobbied other members of the board to secure votes for Pol Gen Pateep, he will not set a new meeting date until his choice is guaranteed, the sources added.
The prime minister also was trying to put an end to rumours that his supporters were defecting to vote for a rival candidate.
Pol Gen Pateep's rival is deputy police chief Chumpol Manmai. The prime minister nominated only Pol Gen Pateep for the job last month.
"The prime minister miscalculated the board's reaction. He wants to make sure the mistake will not happen again," a source close to him said.
Sirichok Sopha, a Democrat MP for Songkhla who works closely with the prime minister, said Mr Abhisit's choice remained unchanged.
The selection of the top police officer has to be made by the end of the month as acting national police chief Thani Somboonsap and incumbent police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon will retire after Sept 30.
Pol Gen Patcharawat was ordered to work at the PM's Office after the National Anti-Corruption Commission criticised his role in the crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy protesters on Oct 7.
As a result of the transfer, Pol Gen Thani will sit on the board instead of Pol Gen Patcharawat.
The sources said Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, another board member, would switch his choice for police chief from Pol Gen Chumpol to Pol Gen Pateep. But Mr Chavarat did not make clear his position yesterday, saying only that he would vote for the candidate supported by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Niphon Prompan, who is the prime minister's secretary-general.
Although Mr Suthep and Mr Niphon are not on the board, they play a key role in the selection process. The pair once wanted Pol Gen Chumpol to be the new police leader. But a source said the two would eventually end up taking the same line as the prime minister.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Patcharawat applies for leave
National police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon has sought a leave of absence in an apparent bid to avoid working in an inactive post at the PM's Office.
The leave of absence was sought yesterday after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had yet to receive Pol Gen Patcharawat's letter of resignation.
Mr Abhisit, who signed an order transferring Pol Gen Patcharawat to an inactive post at the PM's Office on Wednesday, said procedures would have to be followed before approval was granted.
"In the bureaucratic system, resignation has to be granted," he said.
"Normally, a state official must tender a resignation 30 days in advance but there is an exception. In this case I have to examine his resignation."
Mr Abhisit said he was required to take into account pending disciplinary actions against the police chief when considering his resignation.
Hours after the prime minister indicated Pol Gen Patcharawat's resignation would not be automatic, the police chief submitted a request to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban for a leave of absence until the end of the month. He also tendered his resignation on Wednesday to the deputy prime minister.
The transfer order was prompted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission's decision on Monday to seek criminal and disciplinary action against Pol Gen Patcharawat over his role in the Oct 7, 2008, crackdown on antigovernment demonstrators.
Mr Abhisit said he had two options - remove the police chief from the post or dismiss him from the force when the NACC report was delivered.
Pol Gen Patcharawat's request for
leave has been interpreted as implying he does not want to report directly to Mr Abhisit.
Mr Suthep said he received the police chief's resignation and recommended that it be approved before forwarding it to the prime minister to decide. He said the decision on the resignation would not override the NACC's recommended disciplinary action.
"If his request is not granted, he has to show up for work until the disciplinary action is taken," Mr Suthep said.
"If it is granted, he can stay home and wait for punishment."
The prime minister appointed deputy police chief Thanee Somboonsap as caretaker police chief after transferring Pol Gen Patcharawat to the PM's Office.
Pol Gen Thanee, who is said to have close affiliations with People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, yesterday met Mr Suthep to receive policy guidelines.
He said the NACC charges against Pol Gen Patcharawat would not affect police operations on Sept 19, when the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship is planning a major rally.
Pol Gen Patcharawat yesterday lodged a lawsuit against eight NACC members for alleged malfeasance in connection with the ruling which resulted in him being transferred to the PM's Office.
In the suit lodged with the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the police chief accused chairman Panthep Klanarongran and members Klanarong Chantik, Jaidet Pornchaiya, Prasat Pongsivapai, Phakdee Phothisiri,Methee Krongkaew, Vicha Mahakhun and Wichai Wiwitsewi of failing to gather complete evidence for use in the case and of using doubtful materials in its consideration.
The eight members voted to seek his indictment and disciplinary action against him for the police crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy protesters.
The Criminal Court accepted the suit and set Dec 14 for a hearing. It also asked the two parties to negotiate an out-of-court settlement on Dec 2.
The leave of absence was sought yesterday after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had yet to receive Pol Gen Patcharawat's letter of resignation.
Mr Abhisit, who signed an order transferring Pol Gen Patcharawat to an inactive post at the PM's Office on Wednesday, said procedures would have to be followed before approval was granted.
"In the bureaucratic system, resignation has to be granted," he said.
"Normally, a state official must tender a resignation 30 days in advance but there is an exception. In this case I have to examine his resignation."
Mr Abhisit said he was required to take into account pending disciplinary actions against the police chief when considering his resignation.
Hours after the prime minister indicated Pol Gen Patcharawat's resignation would not be automatic, the police chief submitted a request to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban for a leave of absence until the end of the month. He also tendered his resignation on Wednesday to the deputy prime minister.
The transfer order was prompted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission's decision on Monday to seek criminal and disciplinary action against Pol Gen Patcharawat over his role in the Oct 7, 2008, crackdown on antigovernment demonstrators.
Mr Abhisit said he had two options - remove the police chief from the post or dismiss him from the force when the NACC report was delivered.
Pol Gen Patcharawat's request for
leave has been interpreted as implying he does not want to report directly to Mr Abhisit.
Mr Suthep said he received the police chief's resignation and recommended that it be approved before forwarding it to the prime minister to decide. He said the decision on the resignation would not override the NACC's recommended disciplinary action.
"If his request is not granted, he has to show up for work until the disciplinary action is taken," Mr Suthep said.
"If it is granted, he can stay home and wait for punishment."
The prime minister appointed deputy police chief Thanee Somboonsap as caretaker police chief after transferring Pol Gen Patcharawat to the PM's Office.
Pol Gen Thanee, who is said to have close affiliations with People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, yesterday met Mr Suthep to receive policy guidelines.
He said the NACC charges against Pol Gen Patcharawat would not affect police operations on Sept 19, when the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship is planning a major rally.
Pol Gen Patcharawat yesterday lodged a lawsuit against eight NACC members for alleged malfeasance in connection with the ruling which resulted in him being transferred to the PM's Office.
In the suit lodged with the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the police chief accused chairman Panthep Klanarongran and members Klanarong Chantik, Jaidet Pornchaiya, Prasat Pongsivapai, Phakdee Phothisiri,Methee Krongkaew, Vicha Mahakhun and Wichai Wiwitsewi of failing to gather complete evidence for use in the case and of using doubtful materials in its consideration.
The eight members voted to seek his indictment and disciplinary action against him for the police crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy protesters.
The Criminal Court accepted the suit and set Dec 14 for a hearing. It also asked the two parties to negotiate an out-of-court settlement on Dec 2.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Bribe inquiry targets 9 police generals
A Police Commission subcommittee looking into alleged bribery in last year's reshuffle of senior officers has accused nine police generals of corruption.
Police Comissioner Noppadon Somboonsap, the subcommittee spokesman, said the names of those implicated could not be revealed until the results of the inquiry were handed to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban,possibly tomorrow.
A police source said the generals were based in Bangkok and some provinces.
The subcommittee will ask Mr Suthep to set up a new fact-finding committee to review the results of the investigation as the panel does not have the authority to launch an inquiry into high-ranking police officials.
It is only authorised to conduct a preliminary investigation and gather information for a fact-finding committee to be established by Mr Suthep, the source said.
Pol Gen Noppadon dismissed speculation the inquiry was aimed at embattled national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon. He said people should give the subcommittee some credit and not just insult it.
As to whether the panel had any solid evidence of corruption in the reshuffle considering no witnesses had testified about bribery demands, he said there were activities that were very close to "seeking a bribe".
A bank statement of a woman providing alleged details of money being transferred to a senior police officer to buy a promotion would need to be further examined by an authorised committee to find out who transferred the money and to whom, Pol Gen Noppadon said.
The evidence was submitted to the panel on Friday by Pol Col Wirayot Chuenklinthoopsiri, a deputy chief of the Kang Krachan district police station in Phetchaburi, who was summoned to testify.
Former deputy permanent secretary for justice Thongthong Chandrangsu, who heads the inquiry into another corruption accusation facing Pol Gen Patcharawat,meanwhile, said the inquiry should be finished within a couple of months.
Pol Gen Patcharawat is accused o f hiring a private company for police public relations work for 18 million baht without first calling for tenders from other interested parties.
Police Comissioner Noppadon Somboonsap, the subcommittee spokesman, said the names of those implicated could not be revealed until the results of the inquiry were handed to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban,possibly tomorrow.
A police source said the generals were based in Bangkok and some provinces.
The subcommittee will ask Mr Suthep to set up a new fact-finding committee to review the results of the investigation as the panel does not have the authority to launch an inquiry into high-ranking police officials.
It is only authorised to conduct a preliminary investigation and gather information for a fact-finding committee to be established by Mr Suthep, the source said.
Pol Gen Noppadon dismissed speculation the inquiry was aimed at embattled national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon. He said people should give the subcommittee some credit and not just insult it.
As to whether the panel had any solid evidence of corruption in the reshuffle considering no witnesses had testified about bribery demands, he said there were activities that were very close to "seeking a bribe".
A bank statement of a woman providing alleged details of money being transferred to a senior police officer to buy a promotion would need to be further examined by an authorised committee to find out who transferred the money and to whom, Pol Gen Noppadon said.
The evidence was submitted to the panel on Friday by Pol Col Wirayot Chuenklinthoopsiri, a deputy chief of the Kang Krachan district police station in Phetchaburi, who was summoned to testify.
Former deputy permanent secretary for justice Thongthong Chandrangsu, who heads the inquiry into another corruption accusation facing Pol Gen Patcharawat,meanwhile, said the inquiry should be finished within a couple of months.
Pol Gen Patcharawat is accused o f hiring a private company for police public relations work for 18 million baht without first calling for tenders from other interested parties.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Chavarat turns to Suthep on choice of police chief
Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul says he will not stand in the way of the prime minister's nomination for the police chief if it has the backing of other senior Democrat Party members.
Mr Chavarat, who has a seat on the Police Commission which formalises the appointment of the police chief, said he would go with whoever Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and PM's secretary-general Niphon Prompan backed for the position.
Mr Suthep and Mr Niphon are not members of the commission.
Mr Chavarat and the majority of commissioners rejected Abhisit Vejjajiva's choice of Pateep Tanprasert as police chief at the last commission meeting on Aug 20.
Mr Suthep is thought to be close to the Bhumjaithai Party, which is headed by Mr Chavarat. Mr Niphon is reported to favour deputy police chief Chumpol Manmai as the new police chief.
The incumbent chief, Patcharawat Wongsuwon, is due to retire at the end of the month.
The commissioners have reportedly been lobbied to give Mr Abhisit a free hand to appoint Pol Gen Pateep. Mr Chavarat said he did not expect any major problems to hold back the nomination.
In another development, assistant police chief Boonruang Polpanit has asked Mr Abhisit in a letter to cancel the investigation into the Royal Thai Police Office's spending of 18 million baht on public relations four years ago.
The request came after a press report said Pol Lt Gen Boonruang, Pol Gen Patcharawat and former national police chief Kowit Watana were being investigated.
It was reported Mr Abhisit wanted the investigation concluded before Pol Gen Patcharawat's retirement.
A source said Pol Lt Gen Boonruang wrote that the investigation should not have been launched because the complaint was based on an anonymous letter.
He said it was suspicious the complainant had waited until after the money had been spent before alerting the authorities.
Mr Chavarat, who has a seat on the Police Commission which formalises the appointment of the police chief, said he would go with whoever Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and PM's secretary-general Niphon Prompan backed for the position.
Mr Suthep and Mr Niphon are not members of the commission.
Mr Chavarat and the majority of commissioners rejected Abhisit Vejjajiva's choice of Pateep Tanprasert as police chief at the last commission meeting on Aug 20.
Mr Suthep is thought to be close to the Bhumjaithai Party, which is headed by Mr Chavarat. Mr Niphon is reported to favour deputy police chief Chumpol Manmai as the new police chief.
The incumbent chief, Patcharawat Wongsuwon, is due to retire at the end of the month.
The commissioners have reportedly been lobbied to give Mr Abhisit a free hand to appoint Pol Gen Pateep. Mr Chavarat said he did not expect any major problems to hold back the nomination.
In another development, assistant police chief Boonruang Polpanit has asked Mr Abhisit in a letter to cancel the investigation into the Royal Thai Police Office's spending of 18 million baht on public relations four years ago.
The request came after a press report said Pol Lt Gen Boonruang, Pol Gen Patcharawat and former national police chief Kowit Watana were being investigated.
It was reported Mr Abhisit wanted the investigation concluded before Pol Gen Patcharawat's retirement.
A source said Pol Lt Gen Boonruang wrote that the investigation should not have been launched because the complaint was based on an anonymous letter.
He said it was suspicious the complainant had waited until after the money had been spent before alerting the authorities.
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