Patcharawat Ready For The Job - Acting National Police Chief

[george]

Patcharawat ready for the job of acting national police chief

BANGKOK: -- General Patcharawat Wongsuwan on Friday expressed readiness for his new position as acting national police chief following the abrupt secondment of his boss General Seripisut Temiyavej to the Prime Minister's Office.

"I have seen the order from the Office of the Prime Minister's Secretary General to replace General Seripisut," he said, adding that the order, which took immediate efffect, did not specify any reason for the job switch.

He said he was unaware of his sudden promotion although he was ready to work in any capacity within the police service.

"I have been a police officer since 1972 and am ready for any assignments," he said.

-- The Nation 2008-02-29

Police chief Pol Gen Seripisut transferred

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej orders transfer of Police Department chief Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavej, a reliable source said Friday.

Seripisut became the fourth senior official to be transferred under Samak government.

-- The Nation 2008-02-29

[george]

Thai police chief loses powerful post

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday signed an order transfering Police General Sereepisut Taemeeyaves, the country's national police chief, to an inactive post--the fourth lightning removal of high-ranking government official in less than two weeks.

Deputy police commissioner Pacharawat Wongsuwan who replaced Gen Sereepisut told journalists that he was appointed acting police chief in the transfer order effective on the same day.

Acting police chief added that he did not see any order from the prime minister for the setting up of a committee to investigate Gen. Sereepisut's performance as widely reported.

The abrupt transfer had been signed by the premier prior to his departure to neighbouring Laos Friday morning for an official visit.

Meanwhile, Gen. Sereepisut, who was on duty trip in the southern border province of Songkhla, would not comment on the transfer, saying he has yet to know the reason behind it.

He added that he would appeal to the Criminal Court if the transfer was unfair to him.

His sacking came only one day after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home, ending 17 months of self-imposed exile following the military coup of Sept 19, 2006.

The police chief, appointed by the military-installed government last year, is the fourth senior official who has been axed in less than two weeks by the People Power Party-led coalition government.

The axe came just one day after then Public Relations Department director general Pramote Ratavinij was moved to oversee the no yet operational ASEAN television station.

Last week former justice Sunai Manomaiudom, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, was transferred to a newly-formed agency.

The DSI is responsible for some major corruption cases including charges against Mr. Thaksin and his wife Pojaman over the alleged concealment of shareholdings in SC Asset Corp, a listed property development company.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Siriwat Thiptaradol, was also made an inspector general at the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Siriwat was appointed by the military-installed previous government to chair the committee for compulsory licensing (CL) of patented drugs, a controversial action which the new government is reviewing.

The policy allowed poor patients access to expensive life-saving drugs at much cheaper prices.

--TNA 2008-02-29

[sriracha john]

Keeping it all in the family...

PM Has No Comment on Police Chief's Transfer

The Prime Minister approved the transfer of the National Police Chief today to an inactive post at the Prime Minister's Office. The move is believed to be an attempt to pave the way for a close relative of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnwatra to assume the post.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej declined to comment today on his order to transfer National Police Chief, Police General Seripisut Temiyavej to the Prime Minister's Office, before he left for Laos today.

It's thought that the deposed prime minister wants his wife's elder brother, Police General Priewpan Damapong, to be appointed the new National Police Office chief.

In the meantime, Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Patcharawart Wongsuwan, has been appointed interim National Police Chief.

- Thailand Outlook

[Siripon]

Thai police chief loses powerful post

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday signed an order transfering Police General Sereepisut Taemeeyaves, the country's national police chief, to an inactive post--the fourth lightning removal of high-ranking government official in less than two weeks.

Deputy police commissioner Pacharawat Wongsuwan who replaced Gen Sereepisut told journalists that he was appointed acting police chief in the transfer order effective on the same day.

Acting police chief added that he did not see any order from the prime minister for the setting up of a committee to investigate Gen. Sereepisut's performance as widely reported.

The abrupt transfer had been signed by the premier prior to his departure to neighbouring Laos Friday morning for an official visit.

Meanwhile, Gen. Sereepisut, who was on duty trip in the southern border province of Songkhla, would not comment on the transfer, saying he has yet to know the reason behind it.

He added that he would appeal to the Criminal Court if the transfer was unfair to him.

His sacking came only one day after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home, ending 17 months of self-imposed exile following the military coup of Sept 19, 2006.

The police chief, appointed by the military-installed government last year, is the fourth senior official who has been axed in less than two weeks by the People Power Party-led coalition government.

The axe came just one day after then Public Relations Department director general Pramote Ratavinij was moved to oversee the no yet operational ASEAN television station.

Last week former justice Sunai Manomaiudom, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, was transferred to a newly-formed agency.

The DSI is responsible for some major corruption cases including charges against Mr. Thaksin and his wife Pojaman over the alleged concealment of shareholdings in SC Asset Corp, a listed property development company.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Siriwat Thiptaradol, was also made an inspector general at the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Siriwat was appointed by the military-installed previous government to chair the committee for compulsory licensing (CL) of patented drugs, a controversial action which the new government is reviewing.

The policy allowed poor patients access to expensive life-saving drugs at much cheaper prices.

--TNA 2008-02-29

Khun Sunai transferred to an agency that isn't even recognised by the law and doesn't even have an office yet- plainly an attempt to water down the SC Assets charges.

Mr Pramote transferred to an insignificant post- obviously to take over Channel 11 and turn it into a Thaksin mouthpiece.

Dr Sriwat- helping ordinary Thai people and not business interests so transferred.

General Seripisut- they couldn't buy him, unlike other certain generals who tried to frame certain Democrats but failed, so he had to go.

[chevykanteve]

Thai police chief loses powerful post

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday signed an order transfering Police General Sereepisut Taemeeyaves, the country's national police chief, to an inactive post--the fourth lightning removal of high-ranking government official in less than two weeks.

Deputy police commissioner Pacharawat Wongsuwan who replaced Gen Sereepisut told journalists that he was appointed acting police chief in the transfer order effective on the same day.

Acting police chief added that he did not see any order from the prime minister for the setting up of a committee to investigate Gen. Sereepisut's performance as widely reported.

The abrupt transfer had been signed by the premier prior to his departure to neighbouring Laos Friday morning for an official visit.

Meanwhile, Gen. Sereepisut, who was on duty trip in the southern border province of Songkhla, would not comment on the transfer, saying he has yet to know the reason behind it.

He added that he would appeal to the Criminal Court if the transfer was unfair to him.

His sacking came only one day after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home, ending 17 months of self-imposed exile following the military coup of Sept 19, 2006.

The police chief, appointed by the military-installed government last year, is the fourth senior official who has been axed in less than two weeks by the People Power Party-led coalition government.

The axe came just one day after then Public Relations Department director general Pramote Ratavinij was moved to oversee the no yet operational ASEAN television station.

Last week former justice Sunai Manomaiudom, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, was transferred to a newly-formed agency.

The DSI is responsible for some major corruption cases including charges against Mr. Thaksin and his wife Pojaman over the alleged concealment of shareholdings in SC Asset Corp, a listed property development company.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Siriwat Thiptaradol, was also made an inspector general at the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Siriwat was appointed by the military-installed previous government to chair the committee for compulsory licensing (CL) of patented drugs, a controversial action which the new government is reviewing.

The policy allowed poor patients access to expensive life-saving drugs at much cheaper prices.

--TNA 2008-02-29

Khun Sunai transferred to an agency that isn't even recognised by the law and doesn't even have an office yet- plainly an attempt to water down the SC Assets charges.

Mr Pramote transferred to an insignificant post- obviously to take over Channel 11 and turn it into a Thaksin mouthpiece.

Dr Sriwat- helping ordinary Thai people and not business interests so transferred.

General Seripisut- they couldn't buy him, unlike other certain generals who tried to frame certain Democrats but failed, so he had to go.

"They couldn't buy him." The Army/Surayud Govt couldn't buy him either, right? How much per month did that state enterprise position pay? Sorry Siripon, but the time for PAD-style-mouthpiece platitudes is over. Join the world of reality.

[sriracha john]

It'll be sweet for Thaksin if after his brother-in-law becomes National Police Chief and his cousin is made Defense Minister (afterall, Samak is struggling to serve that tandom postion with Prime Minister anyway)....

General Chaisit Shinawatra

Defence portfolio eyed by Chaisit

Former Army Chief General Chaisit Shinawatra yesterday said he was ready to become Defence Minister in the coalition government.

Chaisit, who is Thaksin Shinawatra's cousin, has been mentioned as a candidate to assume the post, along with General Ruengroj Mahasaranond, a People Power Party deputy leader.

Chaisit told reporters he would welcome an invitation to take the job, saying he was ready to work for the country.

- The Nation

then he would have

Deputy Prime Minister: Brother-In-Law

Defense Minister: Cousin

National Police Chief: Brother-In-Law (a different one)

Member of Parliament: Niece

Potential Senator (election coming Mar. 2): Brother

Foreign Minister: Personal lawyer

------------------------------------------------------------

Ironically, at the same time:

Thaksin: 2 criminal cases

1 criminal case: Wife

2 criminal cases: Brother-In-Law (a 3rd B-I-L and different than the 2 above)

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law (a different one)

of course something tells me I'm leaving 1 or 2 or maybe more off of either list.

[sriracha john]

Thai police chief loses powerful post

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday signed an order transfering Police General Sereepisut Taemeeyaves, the country's national police chief, to an inactive post--the fourth lightning removal of high-ranking government official in less than two weeks.

Deputy police commissioner Pacharawat Wongsuwan who replaced Gen Sereepisut told journalists that he was appointed acting police chief in the transfer order effective on the same day.

Acting police chief added that he did not see any order from the prime minister for the setting up of a committee to investigate Gen. Sereepisut's performance as widely reported.

The abrupt transfer had been signed by the premier prior to his departure to neighbouring Laos Friday morning for an official visit.

Meanwhile, Gen. Sereepisut, who was on duty trip in the southern border province of Songkhla, would not comment on the transfer, saying he has yet to know the reason behind it.

He added that he would appeal to the Criminal Court if the transfer was unfair to him.

His sacking came only one day after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home, ending 17 months of self-imposed exile following the military coup of Sept 19, 2006.

The police chief, appointed by the military-installed government last year, is the fourth senior official who has been axed in less than two weeks by the People Power Party-led coalition government.

The axe came just one day after then Public Relations Department director general Pramote Ratavinij was moved to oversee the no yet operational ASEAN television station.

Last week former justice Sunai Manomaiudom, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, was transferred to a newly-formed agency.

The DSI is responsible for some major corruption cases including charges against Mr. Thaksin and his wife Pojaman over the alleged concealment of shareholdings in SC Asset Corp, a listed property development company.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Siriwat Thiptaradol, was also made an inspector general at the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Siriwat was appointed by the military-installed previous government to chair the committee for compulsory licensing (CL) of patented drugs, a controversial action which the new government is reviewing.

The policy allowed poor patients access to expensive life-saving drugs at much cheaper prices.

--TNA 2008-02-29

Khun Sunai transferred to an agency that isn't even recognised by the law and doesn't even have an office yet- plainly an attempt to water down the SC Assets charges.

Mr Pramote transferred to an insignificant post- obviously to take over Channel 11 and turn it into a Thaksin mouthpiece.

Dr Sriwat- helping ordinary Thai people and not business interests so transferred.

General Seripisut- they couldn't buy him, unlike other certain generals who tried to frame certain Democrats but failed, so he had to go.

May need to include Vichai Chokewiwat being pushed to resign as Chairman of the Board of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) to that rapidly-growing list.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?ac...amp;pid=1846062

[chevykanteve]

It'll be sweet for Thaksin if after his brother-in-law becomes National Police Chief and his cousin is made Defense Minister (afterall, Samak is struggling to serve that tandom postion with Prime Minister anyway)....

General Chaisit Shinawatra

Defence portfolio eyed by Chaisit

Former Army Chief General Chaisit Shinawatra yesterday said he was ready to become Defence Minister in the coalition government.

Chaisit, who is Thaksin Shinawatra's cousin, has been mentioned as a candidate to assume the post, along with General Ruengroj Mahasaranond, a People Power Party deputy leader.

Chaisit told reporters he would welcome an invitation to take the job, saying he was ready to work for the country.

- The Nation

then he would have

Deputy Prime Minister: Brother-In-Law

Defense Minister: Cousin

National Police Chief: Brother-In-Law (a different one)

Member of Parliament: Niece

Potential Senator (election coming Mar. 2): Brother

Foreign Minister: Personal lawyer

------------------------------------------------------------

Ironically, at the same time:

Thaksin: 2 criminal cases

1 criminal case: Wife

2 criminal cases: Brother-In-Law (a 3rd B-I-L and different than the 2 above)

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law (a different one)

of course something tells me I'm leaving 1 or 2 or maybe more off of either list.

I guess you'd prefer having the coup d'etat-installed military dictatorship running things again, supported by the Peoples' Alliance for Dictatorship (PAD). There's an apparent air of facism on the part of certain quarters of this forum.

[geriatrickid]

And the people that have been transferred or removed from positions distinguished themselves by doing what? I could understand the protests and discontent if these people had been leading the fight for clean government and integrity, but they were not , were they? All new governments purge political apointeees, even in those great beacons of justice, western "socialist" governments. The former appointees were not going to be overly cooperative with any new admin's politics were they, and they would probably have caused a lot of disagreements and discord, so it makes sense to put in those functionnaires that would be able to work with the ruling government. It happens in every country after a change in ruling parties.

Save the crocodile tears, will ya. It's same same. Instead of hyenas, you have vultures.

[sriracha john]

And the people that have been transferred or removed from positions distinguished themselves by doing what? I could understand the protests and discontent if these people had been leading the fight for clean government and integrity, but they were not , were they?

they were, for example:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1846187

the GPO was getting medicines for people that previously couldn't afford them.

All new governments purge political apointeees

Not all of these are political appointees like Ambassadors and what not that are commonly recycled through with changes in governments.

, even in those great beacons of justice, western "socialist" governments. The former appointees were not going to be overly cooperative with any new admin's politics were they

I hope not. For example, the head of the DSI was running the criminal investigation against Thaksin. This is what has upset and shocked people that the one chance for justice to occur is being scrubbed.

, and they would probably have caused a lot of disagreements and discord, so it makes sense to put in those functionnaires that would be able to work with the ruling government. It happens in every country after a change in ruling parties.

Save the crocodile tears, will ya. It's same same. Instead of hyenas, you have vultures.

Perhaps if you aquaint yourself more thoroughly with the specifics of each situation, you will see some of the justification for the tumultous reaction. They're not switching the county dog-catcher.

[sriracha john]

The National Police Chief is not going away quietly...

Transferred National Police Chief Seeks Justice

The outgoing National Police Chief vows to file a lawsuit against the Prime Minister if his transfer is found to be unfair.

Commenting on today's order by the Prime Minister to transfer him to an inactive post at the Prime Minister's Office, National Police Chief Seripisut Temiyavej said during his engagements in Songkhla Province that he has yet to receive a letter related to the order, but that he has been informed about it by the press.

Police General Seripisut also reveals that he is planning to send the Prime Minister a letter asking for an explanation for the transfer and if he finds the reasons implausible, he will file a charge of malfeasance against the premier with the Supreme Court's division against political post holders.

He declined to comment on whether his transfer involves politics, but insisted that he has done his best for the country and thanked police officers and the people for their backing while he served as the National Police Chief.

Meanwhile, the Chairman for the Teachers Association of the South, Pairoj Wigaharut, says his group will cooperate with other people's networks in the region to send delegates to the Royal Household Bureau on March 4th and 5th to submit a petition with His Majesty the King, asking for justice for Police General Seripisut.

- Thailand Outlook

[younghusband]

Perhaps if you aquaint yourself more thoroughly with the specifics of each situation, you will see some of the justification for the tumultous reaction. They're not switching the county dog-catcher.

Tumultous reaction? Not much evidence of this. In the case of Pol Gen Sereepisut for example he was a zealous and over possibly eager servant of the junta and I'm sure was not surprised at his transfer.I don't particularly approve of transfers for political reasons but it's not a particularly big deal.

[sriracha john]

FOURTH VICTIM

Pol Gen Seripisut out and Patcharawat in

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has ordered the transfer of national police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej to be seconded at the Prime Minister's Office pending further instruction and named Seripisut's deputy General Patcharawat Wongsuwan as the acting police chief, Government House officials said on Friday.

The abrupt transfer happened a day following the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is reportedly pushing for the promotion of his brotherinlaw Lt General Preowpan Damapong.

Seripisut was promoted to his job following the ousting of Thaksin. Preowpan has been seconded from the police service to the Prime Minister's Office since the September 19 coup. He called on Thaksin on Thursday's evening before the transfer of Seripisut was released to the public.

Patcharawat is expected to work in the caretaker capacity as he would reach his retirement in September. Seripisut will also retire.

Source: The Nation - 29 February 2008

What a difference a few days can make.... no one is safe...

The Nation / Feb. 23, 2008

He said he had not thought about resigning and did not feel under pressure having to work with the People Power Party-led government.

Seripisut said he was confident that the government would not be able to sack him because he was protected under the Royal Thai Police Act.

[sriracha john]

It'll be sweet for Thaksin if after his brother-in-law becomes National Police Chief and his cousin is made Defense Minister (afterall, Samak is struggling to serve that tandom postion with Prime Minister anyway)....

then he would have

Deputy Prime Minister: Brother-In-Law

Defense Minister: Cousin

National Police Chief: Brother-In-Law (a different one)

Member of Parliament: Brother

Member of Parliament: Niece

Potential Senator (election coming Mar. 2): Brother Sister-In-Law

Foreign Minister: Personal lawyer

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ironically, at the same time:

Thaksin: 2 criminal cases

1 criminal case: Wife

2 criminal cases: Brother-In-Law (a 3rd B-I-L and different than the 2 above)

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law (a different one)

of course something tells me I'm leaving 1 or 2 or maybe more off of either list.

As suspected, further review results in the changes in red above to reflect additional staffing from the clan

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1847428

[KireB]

I guess you'd prefer having the coup d'etat-installed military dictatorship running things again, supported by the Peoples' Alliance for Dictatorship (PAD). There's an apparent air of facism on the part of certain quarters of this forum.

An air of fascism, is quite a statement you make. A dumb and dangerous statement that is!

I think most of us prefer a Thai society without mass corruption and where politicians serve their people, work on a social security networks, improve education, decrease the inequalities in present society, etc...

If it takes a revolution to achieve that, let it be written and done.

Wouldn't call that fascism, would you?

[sriracha john]

In regards to the dumping of one of the four... a further amplification of the response to geriatrickid

Health Minister under fire over transfer

Groups sign petition against forced move

Rural doctors and patients are putting more pressure on the Public Health Minister by petitioning His Majesty the King over the abrupt transfer of the Food and Drug Administration Secretary-General and the revision of compulsory licensing on cancer drugs. Signed by more than 500 members of the Rural Doctors Society and the network of cancer patients and people living with HIV/Aids, the petition said minister Chaiya Sasomsab's order to transfer Siriwat Tiptaradol to work as the ministry inspector was unfair and had damaged the morale of health officials. Kriangsak Vacharanukulkiat, the Society's Chairman who led the petition, said the doctors believed Dr Siriwat's removal might be linked to lobbying by drug firms to reverse the compulsory licensing (CL) policy on four cancer drugs announced by the previous government. The FDA Secretary-General is directly involved with the CL policy as he chairs the panel on price negotiations with drug patent holders. The transfer of Dr Siriwat could delay Thailand's move to seek affordable cancer drugs for patients under the universal healthcare scheme. The four-page letter said Dr Siriwat is an accomplished rural doctor who dedicated himself to medical development, especially in remote areas. Meanwhile, hundreds of health officials led by the Rural Doctors Society, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation's labour union, the Rural Pharmacists Society and the Mahidol Friends Society turned up at the ministry to show their support for Dr Siriwat. The ministry had been plagued by corrupt politicians and doctors seeking the support of politicians in their attempts to advance their own careers, said Dr Kriangsak. "We cannot just sit still while a good person like Dr Siriwat is being unfairly treated," said Kusol Prawitpaibool, representing the Mahidol Friends Society.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/01Mar2008_news04.php

[sriracha john]

Doctors, patients to petition King over controversial transfer

BANGKOK - A rural doctors group and a network of terminal hospital patients planned to lodge an appeal to His Majesty the King against the controversial transfer of Food and Drug Administration chief Dr. Siriwat Thiptharadol believed to have been caused by his handling of matters involving compulsory licensing.

The Rural Doctors Society, endorsed by groups of chronic patients was protesting the transfer of the FDA Chief by Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap whom the protesters planned to meet at his office Friday, according to Dr. Kriangsak Watcharanukulkiat, leader of the physicians' group.

Dr. Kriangsak said Dr. Siriwat was unfairly replaced as FDA Chief by former Medical Department Chief Chatree Banchuen, who had been earlier alleged of corrupt involvement in a 900 Million Baht computer procurement scandal.

As part of a concerted protest against Mr. Chaiya, some public health officials will deliberately resort to "social sanctions" as an immediate protest measure in the form of refusing to greet and welcome Mr. Chiya as minister, according to Dr. Kriangsak.

He said any obstruction to Dr. Siriwat's handling of the compulsory licensing will only deny the government's health care projects for all people.

Saree Ongsomwang, leader of the Foundation for Consumers, offered to provide legal help for Dr. Siriwat if he decided to fight for justice at the Administrative Court.

But Mr. Chaiya said the transfer of Dr. Siriwat had not involved compulsory licensing and that the former FDA Chief was by no means being demoted, though he was transferred to an inactive post.

- TNA

===================================

Despite the huge amount of money involved, the scandal investigation of the newly-assigned FDA Chief was quashed back in 2004 by then Bird Flu Minister Sudarat.

Edited March 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[jayjayjayjay]

It'll be sweet for Thaksin if after his brother-in-law becomes National Police Chief and his cousin is made Defense Minister (afterall, Samak is struggling to serve that tandom postion with Prime Minister anyway)....

General Chaisit Shinawatra

Defence portfolio eyed by Chaisit

Former Army Chief General Chaisit Shinawatra yesterday said he was ready to become Defence Minister in the coalition government.

Chaisit, who is Thaksin Shinawatra's cousin, has been mentioned as a candidate to assume the post, along with General Ruengroj Mahasaranond, a People Power Party deputy leader.

Chaisit told reporters he would welcome an invitation to take the job, saying he was ready to work for the country.

- The Nation

then he would have

Deputy Prime Minister: Brother-In-Law

Defense Minister: Cousin

National Police Chief: Brother-In-Law (a different one)

Member of Parliament: Niece

Potential Senator (election coming Mar. 2): Brother

Foreign Minister: Personal lawyer

------------------------------------------------------------

Ironically, at the same time:

Thaksin: 2 criminal cases

1 criminal case: Wife

2 criminal cases: Brother-In-Law (a 3rd B-I-L and different than the 2 above)

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law

1 criminal case: Wife's Sister-In-Law (a different one)

of course something tells me I'm leaving 1 or 2 or maybe more off of either list.

Just look at this way S_J , you'll have plenty of meat for you posting over the next 12 months

Edited March 1, 2008 by jayjayjayjay

[sriracha john]

Returning to the National Police Chief now... here's the newly-appointed one:

Patcharawat fact file

Patcharawat Wongsuwan, 59, the acting police chief, is the younger brother of former Army Chief Gen Pravit Wongsuwan.

He attended the same class of 25 at the Thai Police Cadet Academy as former Interior Minister Purachai Piumsombun and former Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatidya.

After graduation, Patcharawat first served in the Border Patrol Police headquarters' air-support division and was then transferred to the Police Central Investigation Bureau, before being promoted to superintendent and then deputy commander at the Highway Police Bureau. He became a deputy national police chief in 2005 overseeing administrative work before being put in charge of prevention and suppression in October 2006.

He will reach retirement age in September.

- The Nation

==================================================

The question is how long he will be in the position of acting National Police Chief before Thaksin's brother-in-law is moved into it.

[sriracha john]

Thai Police Chief loses powerful post

BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday signed an order transferring Police General Sereepisut Taemeeyaves, the country's National Police Chief, to an inactive post--the fourth lightning removal of high-ranking government official in less than two weeks.

Deputy police commissioner Pacharawat Wongsuwan who replaced Gen Sereepisut told journalists that he was appointed acting police chief in the transfer order effective on the same day.

Acting police chief added that he did not see any order from the prime minister for the setting up of a committee to investigate Gen. Sereepisut's performance as widely reported.

The abrupt transfer had been signed by the premier prior to his departure to neighbouring Laos Friday morning for an official visit.

Meanwhile, Gen. Sereepisut, who was on duty trip in the southern border province of Songkhla, would not comment on the transfer, saying he has yet to know the reason behind it.

He added that he would appeal to the Criminal Court if the transfer was unfair to him.

His sacking came only one day after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home, ending 17 months of self-imposed exile.

The Police Chief is the fourth senior official who has been axed in less than two weeks by the People Power Party-led coalition government.

The axe came just one day after then Public Relations Department Director-General Pramote Ratavinij was moved to oversee the no yet operational ASEAN television station.

Last week former justice Sunai Manomaiudom, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, was transferred to a newly-formed agency.

The DSI is responsible for some major corruption cases including charges against Thaksin and his wife Pojaman over the alleged concealment of shareholdings in SC Asset Corp, a listed property development company.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Siriwat Thiptaradol, was also made an inspector general at the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Siriwat was appointed by the previous government to chair the committee for compulsory licensing (CL) of patented drugs, a controversial action which the new government is reviewing.

The policy allowed poor patients access to expensive life-saving drugs at much cheaper prices.

- TNA

[sriracha john]

Probably unconnected to his firing...

Sereepisut pulled no punches when taking legal action against demonstrators of the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT), who protested *rioted is the more accurate verb* outside the residence of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda.Two of the eight UDDT leaders arrested in connection with the violent protest now have political posts in the Samak government. Jakrapob Penkair is a PM's Office Minister and Natthawut Saikua is Deputy Government Spokesman. It is believed that the post of National Police Chief will be eventually filled by a senior officer close to Thaksin *his brother-in-law*.

Bangkok Post

[geriatrickid]

Ok, we disagree. You see all of the changes as being bad. I see these changes as neither bad nor good, but more of the same. You say Not all of these are political appointees like Ambassadors and what not that are commonly recycled through with changes in governments. I disagree and recognize that most of the big changes are indeed the result of the change of government. Go to Post No. 1 which states,Dr. Siriwat was appointed by the military-installed previous government.

But let's not stop there, I think a strong case can be made for the position that Dr. Siriwat bungled the execution of the former government's mandatory licensing program. The motive was indeed good, but the conclusion that Dr. Siriwat (the GPO)was getting medicines for people that previously couldn't afford them is flawed. Didn't the government back down on most of the plan? Correct me if I have my facts wrong, but wasn't there a negative impact subsequent to the long drawn out arguing and bickering of the MLP due to the;1) Refusal of pharma companies to distribute new drugs, 2) Reduction in foreign sponsored clinical trials and 3) A reduction of new foreign funded studies? The net impact was that while some patients did indeed gain access to cheaper drugs, many others lost the opportunity to access better chemotherapeutic products.

And now let's deal with General Seripisut Temiyavej who you seem to have elevated to saintly martyr status. It wasn't too long ago that the gent was being pilloried for his activities and decisions. Please allow me to refresh your memory; Do you remember the Bangkok's news year's eve bobmings? If so, then how can you forget his famous announcement that an arrest warrant would be issued in the next week against some of the involved people. My favourite quote comes from the Nation "Seripisut said the evidence was clear that the man was the person who planted a bomb in Saphan Kwai area so police sought an arrest warrant against him. Seripisut admitted that police did not know the name of the man yet." Sorry, but I don't think the country lost the benefit of a brilliant one there.

How about another trip down memory lane then if you disagree with the above? Do you recall the embarrassment when Army officer Maj General Khattiya Sawasdipol filed a Bt600 million defamation suit against acting national police chief General Seripisut . He said Seripisut defamed him early last year by suggesting he was linked to a large gambling den in Bangkok. Khattiya accused Seripisut of exploiting his post as the police inspector general and of being involved in gambling dens, horse race gambling, brothels and illicit drugs. Perhaps the allegations were groundless, (I think they are exagerated) but in the world of TV, an allegation against a Thai policeman is the same as confirming guilt right? There are a great many other reasons that can be used to justify this gentleman's transfer, not least amongst them, that he was a political appointee.

Please do not misunderstand me here as it is not my intention to damage these distinguished public servants reputations. My point was that the crying and beating of the foreign collective 's chest on the premise that this is a sinister plot neither recognizes, nor acknowledges that when governments change so do people in many of the key ministries. As well, in TV tradition, one can find a multitude of real and imagined sins with which to justify the removal of many. My humble opinion is that one group of inept people has been replaced by another group of inept people.

And now on to your statement of political enlightenment;

Perhaps if you aquaint yourself more thoroughly with the specifics of each situation, you will see some of the justification for the tumultous reaction. They're not switching the county dog-catcher. Well sir, I have. Look at the list of many of the changes and you will see that almost all (if not all) were originally appointed by the former military rulers. These people had in turn replaced people that had been appointed by a duly elected government. It would seem to me that a government elected by the people in a democratic process, even if the results are not to your liking, had a greater legitimacy in their positions than those that had been appointed by a military junta that were not elected by the people and had no legal mandate to rule. I would also venture that there are many that consider your phrase of changing the county dog catcher to apply as some of the previous candidates were no better (or worse) qualified to be in their respective positions than the new appointees.

[chevykanteve]

I guess you'd prefer having the coup d'etat-installed military dictatorship running things again, supported by the Peoples' Alliance for Dictatorship (PAD). There's an apparent air of facism on the part of certain quarters of this forum.

An air of fascism, is quite a statement you make. A dumb and dangerous statement that is!

I think most of us prefer a Thai society without mass corruption and where politicians serve their people, work on a social security networks, improve education, decrease the inequalities in present society, etc...

If it takes a revolution to achieve that, let it be written and done.

Wouldn't call that fascism, would you?

More platitudes. And pompous at that. Another broken record.

[chevykanteve]

Bangkok Post (1-March-2008) partial copy

National police chief Sereepisut Taemeeyaves was yesterday transferred to an inactive post at the Prime Minister's Office and faces an investigation for alleged serious breaches of discipline.

The transfer ends speculation about how soon he would get the axe.

..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....

According to the transfer order signed by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, Pol Gen Sereepisut was removed for alleged serious breaches of discipline.

He was suspected of involvement in corruption relating to the Royal Thai Police Office's vehicle rental scheme of more than 6,200 vehicles worth 9.8 billion baht that caused damage to the state. ......

Like the three before him, Pol Gen Sereepisut is known to have served the now-defunct Council for National Security (CNS) ......

[geriatrickid]

In regards to the dumping of one of the four... a further amplification of the response to geriatrickid

The FDA Secretary-General is directly involved with the CL policy as he chairs the panel on price negotiations with drug patent holders. The transfer of Dr Siriwat could delay Thailand's move to seek affordable cancer drugs for patients under the universal healthcare scheme. The four-page letter said Dr Siriwat is an accomplished rural doctor who dedicated himself to medical development, especially in remote areas.

The article you posted does not address the key issue as to whether or not the gentleman was capable of doing the job properly. I do not doubt for a minute that he was a wonderful man or an accomplished rural doctor. Treating rural patients requires resourcefulness and innovation. What it does not prepare one for is overseeing such subjects as pharmaceutical quality control or negotiating purchase contracts. Just because someone is a gifted neurologist does not mean that he or she will have success as a cardiovascular surgeon.

If you look at the most successful leaders of the Thai FDA equivalent in other countries, the office holders have had extensive administrative experience and a solid knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. What benefit was there in taking a good doctor and putting him in an administrative role?

In some of Canada's poorest provinces the cost of many drugs is kept low by relying on people with a knowledge of the industry and by buying in bulk. That's how you get prices lower - by developing bulk purchasing power. That's the only way to accomplish the task.

Licensing 4 cancer drugs was for PR purposes. The drugs are useless if not part of a multi faceted treatment which includes access to screening, radiation treatment and a multitude of drugs. Show me where the fixation on a few big ticket items did anything to improve the population health standards or increase cancer survival rates.

During the doctor's tenure, can you provide any examples of action in respect to quality control such as verification of products to ensure their efficacy or the enforcement of actual quality demonstrated by the bringing of charges against manufacturers that produced poor quality drugs as is done in the EU or North America? One of the key responsibilities of a national drug administrator is to protect the population from bad products. I am unaware of any activity whereby the former FDA head distinguished himself as a champion of product quality. Enlighten me.

I consider the whole drug licensing to have been a sham intended to show people that the previous government was doing something for the people. Well, here's the reality check, those results were not achieved and only fed the pill popping obsession of some people. When you have a rural peasant scraping buy on 100B a day, making one cancer pill available at 100B doesn't do anything particularly if the other drugs and treatments required are unavailable. The lower cost drug program has not worked and cannot work when only a few products are made available. If his support of a program that wouldn't work was his claim to fame for having the job, then there was no need to keep him around, no matter how brilliant a doctor or great as a human being.

[Plus]

Things are quickly turning on their heads in this thread.

CL was a controvercial issue but Thailand has been praised for doing it by countless people and organisations involved, except western pharma companies and Thailand's current government. Backlash has been limited and thanks to CL Thailand was able to bring prices down across the board - pharma companies are more interested in negotiations now than in taking a piss like they did just a year ago - things like offering 1 baht price reduction for thousand baht a day drugs.

Seripisuth was tasked with pushing through police reform. Last time I heard the bill was almost ready to be presented to the NLA or the Parlament. I guess now it's off, cronism and nepotism are back, Thaksin's relative is almost ready to step in.

[BigSnake]

Yep I smell TROUBLE in the land of smiles, first blood the Chief of DSI now the National Police chief, hang folks we ant seen not YET!! some PAD people out there.

[chevykanteve]

Things are quickly turning on their heads in this thread.

CL was a controvercial issue but Thailand has been praised for doing it by countless people and organisations involved, except western pharma companies and Thailand's current government. Backlash has been limited and thanks to CL Thailand was able to bring prices down across the board - pharma companies are more interested in negotiations now than in taking a piss like they did just a year ago - things like offering 1 baht price reduction for thousand baht a day drugs.

Seripisuth was tasked with pushing through police reform. Last time I heard the bill was almost ready to be presented to the NLA or the Parlament. I guess now it's off, cronism and nepotism are back, Thaksin's relative is almost ready to step in.

He was tasked with many duties during the military dictatorship rule. For instance (and quoting from Wikepedia):

Purging of AoT management

A week after Saprang hinted at a reshuffle of AoT top management, AoT President Chotisak Asapaviriya was forced to resign, citing health reasons, while the Directors of Suvarnabhumi Airport and AoT Commercial Operations were dismissed.[34][35] Police Commissioner General Seripisut Temiyavej was appointed as an AoT Director

Cronism, huh? ha ha ha

[Tony Clifton]

Patcharawat ready for the job of acting national police chief

BANGKOK: -- General Patcharawat Wongsuwan on Friday expressed readiness for his new position as acting national police chief following the abrupt secondment of his boss General Seripisut Temiyavej to the Prime Minister's Office.

"I have seen the order from the Office of the Prime Minister's Secretary General to replace General Seripisut," he said, adding that the order, which took immediate efffect, did not specify any reason for the job switch.

He said he was unaware of his sudden promotion although he was ready to work in any capacity within the police service.

"I have been a police officer since 1972 and am ready for any assignments," he said.

How about retirement? After all it's ben 46 years of service.

-- The Nation 2008-02-29

Police chief Pol Gen Seripisut transferred

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej orders transfer of Police Department chief Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavej, a reliable source said Friday.

Seripisut became the fourth senior official to be transferred under Samak government.

-- The Nation 2008-02-29

The criminal portion of the Royal Thai police force was very reticent at the prospect of a police reform when proposed a short while ago.

The criminal portion of the newly elected PPP will ensure that no police reform happens.

[Plus]

Purging of AoT management

A week after Saprang hinted at a reshuffle of AoT top management, AoT President Chotisak Asapaviriya was forced to resign, citing health reasons, while the Directors of Suvarnabhumi Airport and AoT Commercial Operations were dismissed.[34][35] Police Commissioner General Seripisut Temiyavej was appointed as an AoT Director

Cronism, huh? ha ha ha

And before that AoT was the most efficiens and transparent Thai company? As is there's nothing wrong with the new airport, as if its construction and management are examples of good governance.

Saprand and Seripisuth were no match for that bunch of thieves, though. Sadly.

Expcet King Power case to go nowhere, maybe they'll even expand their operations.

And Attorney General's office asked DSI for a new invesitgation in SC Assets, right after their director who indicted Thaksin was transferred out by Thaksin's nominee government.

Travesty of justice, that's what it is.