Thailand's new assistant police chief to drop post to ease Saudi tension

BANGKOK, Sept 22 - Thailand's embattled Pol-Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom is giving a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce his decision to give up his recent promotion to assistant national police chief to defuse tension between Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban disclosed that Gen Somkid carefully comtemplated sacrificing the post and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been consulted on the issue.

Mr Suthep said Gen Somkid's decision will be placed for discussion at Friday's Police Committee meeting to find a final solution, adding that the list of senior police being reshuffled can be revised though it has already been submitted to the PM's Secretariat.

Police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Pravuth Thavornsiri said he received confirmation from Gen Somkid about his intention to alleviate the tension with the Saudi authorities.

He said the Police Committee meeting on Friday will appoint a suitable officer to replace the departing officer.

Gen Somkid, formerly Commissioner of Provincial Police of Region 5, was recently promoted to assistant national police chief, sparking concern from Saudia Arabia which related to his alleged involvement in the unsolved disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammed al-Ruwaili in Bangkok 20 years ago. (MCOT online news)