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.