Patcharawat Ready For The Job - Acting National Police Chief

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, Chiang Rai Governor Preecha Kamolbutr is also likely to be transferred, following the transfer of Chiang Rai Police Chief Songtham Alpart, who was accused by the PPP of unfair treatment in the investigation into alleged vote buying by House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Mar2008_news10.php

[younghusband]

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

Perhaps Saprang was too busy on corrupt freebie trips to Europe and illegally hiving off AOT funds to the army to keep his eye on the ball.The man's a disgrace, and an incompetent to boot.

As for Seripisuth he wasn't so bad but was far too subservient to the illegal junta.He's lucky to have kept some kind of a job.

Edited March 2, 2008 by younghusband

[chevykanteve]

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

Perhaps Saprang was too busy on corrupt freebie trips to Europe and illegally hiving off AOT funds to the army to keep his eye on the ball.The man's a disgrace, and an incompetent to boot.

As for Seripisuth he wasn't so bad but was far too subservient to the illegal junta.He's lucky to have kept some kind of a job.

Excellent points regarding Saprang and Seripisuth. When you run with dogs you must assume the consequences of the law of the pack.

Edited March 2, 2008 by chevykanteve

[Plus]

Oh, one allegely overpaid business trip? You can't be serious. Do you expect them to stay in hostels and eat from soup kitchens?

What about hiving off AOT funds? I remember he asked TOT to buy some equipment, not AOT.

Subservient to the illegal junta - not a real argument. Thai police force is corrupt at the core, if not for the junta there would have never been a chance of any meaningful reform. You can call it an illegal junta, but the clean up is a clean up, it needs to be done.

"Democratic" government is trying its best to make corruption legal. Is that your alternative? What if they really go on a second killing spree and slaughter a few thousand of innocent people under war on drugs pretext? Would you give the same "but it's legal and democratic" excuse?

Maybe we have a fundamental disagreement. I say that certain things are wrong no matter what, things like killing people, things like stealing. You seem to say that it depends on whether the "democratic" majority agrees or not, sort of if someone interferes with a lynch mob hoisting a "nigger" up a tree, it's illegal because the democartic majority wants blood.

Come to think of it, racism in the US South was probably the democratic choice of the majority of the population there, they even defended their way of life with arms. That didn't make it right, however.

Or how's this - why is that lady justice has a blindfold? Maybe it's because she shouldn't be swayed by "democratic" majority, don't you think?

We are back where we started in early 2006 - I was arguing that Thaksin should be tried for his transgressions, in courts, others argued that only the ballot box should be the judge. Well, this isn't a democracy as I see it. Maybe we do have a fundamental difference in understaning, after all.

[chevykanteve]

Oh, one allegely overpaid business trip? You can't be serious. Do you expect them to stay in hostels and eat from soup kitchens?

What about hiving off AOT funds? I remember he asked TOT to buy some equipment, not AOT.

Subservient to the illegal junta - not a real argument. Thai police force is corrupt at the core, if not for the junta there would have never been a chance of any meaningful reform. You can call it an illegal junta, but the clean up is a clean up, it needs to be done.

"Democratic" government is trying its best to make corruption legal. Is that your alternative? What if they really go on a second killing spree and slaughter a few thousand of innocent people under war on drugs pretext? Would you give the same "but it's legal and democratic" excuse?

Maybe we have a fundamental disagreement. I say that certain things are wrong no matter what, things like killing people, things like stealing. You seem to say that it depends on whether the "democratic" majority agrees or not, sort of if someone interferes with a lynch mob hoisting a "nigger" up a tree, it's illegal because the democartic majority wants blood.

Come to think of it, racism in the US South was probably the democratic choice of the majority of the population there, they even defended their way of life with arms. That didn't make it right, however.

Or how's this - why is that lady justice has a blindfold? Maybe it's because she shouldn't be swayed by "democratic" majority, don't you think?

We are back where we started in early 2006 - I was arguing that Thaksin should be tried for his transgressions, in courts, others argued that only the ballot box should be the judge. Well, this isn't a democracy as I see it. Maybe we do have a fundamental difference in understaning, after all.

Are you joking?

[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.

Well, he didn't last long...

Chatree Banchuen

'Hounded' Chatree to step down

Official quits over references to alleged links to corruption

The head of the Public Health Ministry's Medical Services Department has resigned following his transfer to the post of secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Speaking at a press conference, Chatree Banchuen said he was upset with media reports 'hounding' him over a corruption scandal over a controversial 900 Million Baht computer procurement case, and of his relationship with certain politicians. He said the committee had investigated him twice over the corruption case and although the Public Health Ministry's committee had proven him not guilty, he felt ashamed by the accusations.

"I feel so embarrassed I can't bear this any more. It is enough for me. Enough is enough," he said. Chatree started his career as a surgeon at Rajchavithi Hospital in 1976. He became director of Nopparattana Rajchatani Hospital in 1995, and later the director-general of the Medical Services Department in 2004.

It was during this period he was accused of corruption in a computer procurement case, which is still under investigation by the National Counter Corruption Commission.

Chatree, 58 has two years remaining in his current position as the director-general, but just one week after his appointment by Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab to the post of FDA chief, he has decided to resign from the Public Health Ministry.

His resignation will be effective on April 2. The public health minister said the resignation was due to 'health problems' and he asked Chatree not to quit, but Chatree had confirmed his decision to resign.

Chatree's appointment as head FDA has yet to receive royal endorsement.

If Chatree had accepted the appointment, he would have succeeded Siriwat Thipth-aradol, who has already been moved to an inactive post.

Dissatisfied with his transfer, Siriwat earlier submitted an application to take holiday leave between March 3 and March 7.

However, as no one approved his application, Siriwat had to report to work at FDA yesterday. An informed source said without approval, Siriwat could not take the leave or else he might face a disciplinary investigation.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

FDA Secretary-General Successor abruptly resigns

Director of the Department of Medical Services (DMS) in the Ministry of Public Health and soon-to-be Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Chatree Baanchuen revealed to the press that he has resigned from state work. Chatree was inline to succeed recently transferred FDA Secretary-General Doctor Siriwat Thiptaradol.

The DMS Director stated that he has grown exasperated of constant rumors and unfounded accusations concerning his past. He stated that although he feels ready and able to take on his new post, he no longer wishes to take part in the government scene.

Chatree, at 58 years of age has 2 years left until retirement. He stated that once his resignation takes effect, he will bow out from government work all together even though he had first planned to spend his life serving the nation.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Next up for dismissal??? remove the investigative DSI department and remove the Justice department and Thaksin's charges melt away...

Charan Pakditanakul

Justice Ministry Permanent-Secretary to be replaced by Thaksin’s Ally

The recent spread of rumors involving possible transfer of Justice Ministry Permanent Secretary Charan Pakditanakul indicated that one of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s allies, Pol Maj-General Peeraphan Prempooti, might replace him at the post soon.

According to an informed source at the Justice Ministry, Pol Maj-General Peeraphan is known for having close ties with the deposed premier.

After the coup, Peeraphan was removed by the government from the post of Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office and appointed as an Inspector-General.

The deposed premier returned to the country last week, as former Thai Rak Thai politicians and several Cabinet ministers had organized a welcoming rally, at the Suvarnabhumi Airport to receive him.

The source claimed that when the People Power Party, the party which currently houses hundreds of former Thai Rak Thai Party members and executives, had won the December 23rd election, the situation had changed for Peeraphan.

Citing Charan’s desire to return to his judicial position at the court, the source said the interim administration could use such move as an excuse to transfer him to the post of Inspector-General at the Prime Minister’s Office.

However, Justice Minister Sombat Amornwiwat affirmed that he has no plans to transfer Charan as rumored.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

New FDA Chief to Be Appointed within This Week

The Public Health Minister says the resignation of the newly appointed Food and Drug Administration secretary-general was nothing out of the ordinary. *hmm.. is it really common that people resign their position during the brief time between submitting their name for royal endorsement to that postion and the return of that endorsement? I don't think so* The Public Health chief also says a new FDA chief will be appointed by the week's end.

Another resignation of a high-ranking Public Health official has made headlines across Thailand today.

Chatree Banchuen was very recently appointed as Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration. He replaced Siriwat Thiptharadol as the FDA chief when Siriwat was transferred to the post of Inspector-General for the Public Health Ministry.

Siriwat's transfer was widely criticized for the political innuendo it brings. Health activists believe Siriwat's transfer was a direct result of his active involvement in the negotiation for compulsory licensing agreements for drugs in Thailand.

Since taking office, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab has made it clear he does not believe Thailand should continue pursuing CL agreements for cheap affordable drugs.

Chaiya later revealed Siriwat was transferred because his appointment as the FDA chief was inappropriate. The Health Minister claimed Siriwat's appointment had failed to take into consideration many more qualified individuals than Siriwat.

The Public Health Minister also denounced the move to protest against him for the transfer by the Rural Doctors Society. He says their tactics are unworthy of medical doctors.

On the issue of the appointment of a new FDA secretary-general, Chaiya says the Public Health permanent-secretary will be back in Thailand within this week. And as soon as he gets back, Chaiya will discuss with him the appointment of a new FDA secretary-general. The Public Health Minister vows the issue will be finalized before the week's over.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited March 5, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

They're about to dismiss one too many.

[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 Shinawatra to assume the post.

Prime Minister and Defense 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

and right on cue... they're getting lined up...

Thaksin allies set to return

The Police Commission is expected to reinstate Police General Priewpan Damapong, an elder brother of Potjaman Shinawatra, deposed PM Thaksin's wife, to an active role in the police force in its meeting today. Pol Gen Chalor Chuwong, Thaksin's classmate at the Royal Police Cadet Academy, is also to be reinstated. There are two positions, a Deputy National Police Chief and an Assistant to the National Police Chief, to accommodate Police General Priewpan Damapong and Chalor respectively, according to a police source. The source said the reinstatements were recommended by Pol Maj-Gen Chanapat Choeysombat, chief of the Police Personnel Division. It is believed that the reinstatements pave the way for Police General Priewpan to take the post of National Police Chief.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Mar2008_news08.php

[george]

Patcharawat promoted as National Police Chief

Topic continues here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=179711