ID :
79173
Wed, 09/09/2009 - 18:00
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http://m.oananews.org//node/79173
The shortlink copeid
National police chief transferred to inactive post
BANGKOK, Sept 9 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajijva on Wednesday signed an order transferring the country’s national police chief, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, to an inactive post at the Prime Minister's Office, while Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap will be appointed acting police chief.
The prime minister's order came after the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) ruled Monday that criminal charges should be brought against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and then deputy premier Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyu. Seven high-ranking police officers including the national police chief should also be charged with criminal offences and disciplinary action in connection to the police crackdown on the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters on October 7 last year.
Mr Abhisit told a news conference after discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban that the NCCC statute, Article 55, indicating that any wrongdoer whose case was on trial at the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Position Holders or high ranking officials, must suspend their duties immediately after the NCCC issues its resolution.
After the NCCC ruling on Monday, the case will be sent to the Attorney-General’s Office to file charges at the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Position Holders for a final ruling.
As for the disciplinary action, the NCCC will send the case to the prime minister to forward it to consider action by both the police board and the Police Commission within 30 days and to report its decision regarding punishment to the NCCC within 15 days.
The premier said on Wednesday, however, that he has not yet received the NCCC's official resolution on the October 7 case, but to prevent any confusion regarding the police chief's duties and line of command, he has signed the transfer order of Gen Patcharawat to his office, effective Wednesday.
Mr Abhisit added he will appoint deputy police chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap as acting police chief.
Gen Patcharawat was transferred to an inactive post by then-prime minister Somchai on November 28, one day after a state of emergency was declared at Bangkok's two airports, which had been seized by anti-government the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
Gen Patcharawat was authorised to end the protests by the Yellow Shirt group, but no concrete measures were seen to have been taken.
Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, then the acting prime minister, later cancelled the order removing Gen Patcharawat from the position of national police chief and assigning him to the Prime Minister's Office. (TNA)
The prime minister's order came after the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) ruled Monday that criminal charges should be brought against former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and then deputy premier Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyu. Seven high-ranking police officers including the national police chief should also be charged with criminal offences and disciplinary action in connection to the police crackdown on the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters on October 7 last year.
Mr Abhisit told a news conference after discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban that the NCCC statute, Article 55, indicating that any wrongdoer whose case was on trial at the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Position Holders or high ranking officials, must suspend their duties immediately after the NCCC issues its resolution.
After the NCCC ruling on Monday, the case will be sent to the Attorney-General’s Office to file charges at the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Position Holders for a final ruling.
As for the disciplinary action, the NCCC will send the case to the prime minister to forward it to consider action by both the police board and the Police Commission within 30 days and to report its decision regarding punishment to the NCCC within 15 days.
The premier said on Wednesday, however, that he has not yet received the NCCC's official resolution on the October 7 case, but to prevent any confusion regarding the police chief's duties and line of command, he has signed the transfer order of Gen Patcharawat to his office, effective Wednesday.
Mr Abhisit added he will appoint deputy police chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap as acting police chief.
Gen Patcharawat was transferred to an inactive post by then-prime minister Somchai on November 28, one day after a state of emergency was declared at Bangkok's two airports, which had been seized by anti-government the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
Gen Patcharawat was authorised to end the protests by the Yellow Shirt group, but no concrete measures were seen to have been taken.
Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, then the acting prime minister, later cancelled the order removing Gen Patcharawat from the position of national police chief and assigning him to the Prime Minister's Office. (TNA)
