Politics, scandal fuel purge of Pattaya police ranks

Col. Noppadon Wongnom (right), shown here with Col. Pakorn Tabnet,

deputy commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police, and other officials

during the official opening of the new police box in Nong Maidang

Sub-District at the beginning of February.

By Boonlua Chatree

CHONBURI: -- A power struggle fueled by politics and scandal has erupted among high-ranking Eastern Seaboard police officials, shining an embarrassing spotlight on promotions, demotions and appointments usually handled quietly through back room deals.

The ugly scramble for lucrative positions boiled over last week after Col. Noppadon Wongnom was unceremoniously ousted from his position as Pattaya Police Superintendent only months after taking his supposed two-year appointment.

The former Chonburi Province police chief, Noppadon was busted back to head of the Panom Sarakam Station in Chachoengsao and many of the ranking staff in the Pattaya Police Station have been demoted and transferred. They were allegedly replaced by police officials close to acting Region 2 police commander Lt. Gen. Atsawin Kwanmuang and his newly appointed superiors at the National Police Bureau.

Noppadon, however, is not going down quietly and took the unusual step of complaining to the media, as well as Royal Thai Police Secretary Lt. Gen. Achin Chotiwong, whom he believes to be aligned with neither side in the struggle.

He appears, though, to be a victim of the ongoing scandal over position-buying in the Royal Thai Police. Noppadon’s critics claim he paid 10 million baht to leave his Chonburi Provincial Police command early to take over the Pattaya station. Noppadon denies the allegations, saying he was asked to head the Pattaya station due to his strong crime-suppression performance in Chonburi.

But even the country’s highest-ranking police officials are now saying publicly that position-buying has long been practiced, with officers making deals with politicians to secure the most-lucrative jobs. Former Royal Thai Police Chief Sombat Amornwiwat told the media Feb. 18 it was “more than certain” that police paid off politicians to secure their jobs and that the process “can never be stopped” unless a reform plan proposed by current Democrat Party leaders is enacted.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last week said position-buying investigations are now underway in Royal Thai Police regions 1, 2 and 4. In Region 2, which covers Chonburi, Chantaburi, Chachoengsao, Trat, Nakhorn-Nayok, Prachinburi, Rayong and Srakeaw, Noppadon and Lt. Gen. Kriangsak Suriyo - Asawin’s predecessor as Region 2 commander before being transferred to a lesser post - face allegations of position buying. Asawin was tasked personally by Pol. Gen. Archin Chotewong, Secretary General of the National Police Commission, to root out alleged corruption in his area.

Satit Pitutaecha, a Democrat MP from Rayong, said he saw no problem with Noppadon’s demotion or any of the other position changes Atsawin enacted. The change in leadership was “normal,” he said. It was only natural, he added, that those in power appoint those loyal to them.

Allegiance certainly has had its fallout, both inside and outside the Pattaya police ranks. Noppadon had been backed by ousted Region 2 commander Kriangsak and many who worked for and with him are now feeling the impact of being on the “wrong team.”

Among those cut loose by Atsawin’s “Big Win” team were Col. Sutham Chaoseethong, deputy superintendent for crime suppression at the Pattaya Police Station, who was transferred to an inactive post in the Internal Operations Security Command. Also out is Lt. Col. Chanapat Nawalak, deputy chief of detectives, who was moved to the small Nong Yai outpost; and inquiry inspectors Lt. Col. Sumet Hanwisai and Lt. Col. Samroeng Ratananam, who were shipped out to Laem Chabang and Sriracha, respectively.

In all, eight investigative inspectors were moved out of the Pattaya stations and replaced with officers from Chonburi and Region 2. Even the Tourist Police was not spared, with Inspector Lt. Col. Suwan Un-Anan demoted to a railway police inspector in Thonburi while two other officers were transferred out of the area.

There are also questions as to how Pattaya’s new police superintendent - the fourth in less than a year - secured his job. Nantawut Wasuwanla-Ong was a mere lieutenant colonel who most recently was just the deputy chief of crime suppression in Chonburi and has been on the force for only sixteen years.

Noppadon, for one, thinks the entire appointment process has been perverted. He said he has served the Royal Thai Police for 30 years with an unblemished record. Now, he said, he has been humiliated by his demotion and his reputation ruined by what he says are false allegations that he bought his Pattaya police chief position. He now wants to be transferred out of Region 2 entirely.

-- Pattaya Mail 2010-02-26

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Ding Dong, out you go because you ride the wrong horse and you don’t come in cleans yourself.

All excellent news if you ask me. They may not be accountable for wrongdoing in court, but to know they can be hurt by demotions etc. is refreshing.

Even if it just makes senior police officers focus a bit more on delivery of a decent police service and catch a few more major criminals whilst ahem, watering their lawns, even that would be better than previously.

When was the last time a MAJOR Thai drug dealer got taken down in Pattaya. Never?

Don't you just love it when little kids fight over the candy.

They look a fine body of men in their smart uniforms.

Noppadon’s critics claim he paid 10 million baht to leave his Chonburi Provincial Police command early to take over the Pattaya station.

Funny, this is the exact amount a friend quoted to me for that level of position some 2 years ago.

Noppadon’s critics claim he paid 10 million baht to leave his Chonburi Provincial Police command early to take over the Pattaya station.

Funny, this is the exact amount a friend quoted to me for that level of position some 2 years ago.

Presumably you didn't pay it, preferring a non-police lifestyle?

Inspector Lt. Col. Suwan Un-Anan demoted to a railway police inspector in Thonburi

Ouch. Talk about sending a message.

On the other hand, maybe there is need of someone with his experience and skill to head up the investigation of the passengers that pee all over the floor in the toilet of the trains. Maybe he can lead a crackdown on kids that put coins on the tracks or hobos.

^ Maybe he can lead a crackdown on kids that put coins on the tracks or hobos

Kids puting hobos on the tracks. That's outrageous! Where's the humanity.

I wonder if their man in the yellow hummer has been caught up in all this?

When was the last time a MAJOR Thai drug dealer got taken down in Pattaya. Never?

Given no other option, would you rather encounter a major drug dealer or a corrupt cop?

Gangsters are gangsters, whether they're facing a badge or wearing one.

As for the "purge?" Too little too late? Or better late than never?

When one of the BIB is demoted to an inactive post like in charge of the railway rubbish are they allowed to keep their guns?

If so i would be worried if i was responsible for ousting them.

A high ranking police chief once stated that the only difference between a criminal and a policeman was a badge.

Edited February 26, 201016 yr by nam-thip

The Pattaya Mail issue also has the answer to your question below: http://www.pattayamail.com/current/news.shtml#hd9

I wonder if their man in the yellow hummer has been caught up in all this?

He appears, though, to be a victim of the ongoing scandal over position-buying in the Royal Thai Police. Nopadon’s critics claim he paid 10 million baht to leave his Chonburi Provincial Police command early to take over the Pattaya station, a position that, thanks to various “bonuses,” can repay such an alleged investment 20 times over. Nopadon denies the allegations, saying he was asked to head the Pattaya station due to his strong crime-suppression performance in Chonburi.

Edited February 26, 201016 yr by Pattaya Diver

I's a farce and Thailand should be ashamed of this situation.

I wonder how much of his 10 million baht investment he recouped in the few short months he was in charge?

That's probably the real reason that he is p*ssed off, lol.......

Must be some serious 'tea money' to be made in Pattaya if he paid 10 million for a 2 year posting.... TIT....

>> a position that, thanks to various “bonuses,” can repay such an alleged investment 20 times over.

That's a great ROI for 2 years!

does he get a partial refund ?

All excellent news if you ask me. They may not be accountable for wrongdoing in court, but to know they can be hurt by demotions etc. is refreshing.

Even if it just makes senior police officers focus a bit more on delivery of a decent police service and catch a few more major criminals whilst ahem, watering their lawns, even that would be better than previously.

When was the last time a MAJOR Thai drug dealer got taken down in Pattaya. Never?

Are you assuming the new guys coming are clean. ?????????????????????

Cry me a river.

^ Maybe he can lead a crackdown on kids that put coins on the tracks or hobos

Kids puting hobos on the tracks. That's outrageous! Where's the humanity.

I thought it reads cracking down on kids who put coins on hobos.

I wonder if their man in the yellow hummer has been caught up in all this?

I can't believe it took 10 posts before "Snifu" was brought up! lol

Awwww, the poor little Darlings.

^ Maybe he can lead a crackdown on kids that put coins on the tracks or hobos

Kids puting hobos on the tracks. That's outrageous! Where's the humanity.

I thought it reads cracking down on kids who put coins on hobos.

Why those impish little...little...

completely agree Thaihog....

was thinking the exact same thing..... 2months.. not enough time to recoup the feria, let alone make a profit.. 10,000,000/24 months = approx. $416,666/month...... (quite a coincidental number.............) x 2 = well shy of original investmest. I'd be mad as he-- too! Crying all the way to the top with no absolutely no recourse.... hummmm

smacks a bit like the world of farangism.... not so tasty on the other side, tis it?

Edited February 26, 201016 yr by wetface

Do you think both he and 'Stifu' will club together to help Mr T and show him where he went wrong?

Inspector Lt. Col. Suwan Un-Anan demoted to a railway police inspector in Thonburi

Ouch. Talk about sending a message.

On the other hand, maybe there is need of someone with his experience and skill to head up the investigation of the passengers that pee all over the floor in the toilet of the trains. Maybe he can lead a crackdown on kids that put coins on the tracks or hobos.

Now's the time to call in the SWAT team

"It was only natural, he added, that those in power appoint those loyal to them."

So others might be disloyal to them. Not very professional is it?

Pattaya would not be Pattaya without a little controversy. Hard to feel sorry for the displaced corrupt. I have a feeling they are just being replaced by more of the same. The appropriate crackdowns have started and will continue for another week or so and it will be status quo for most of us non criminals. Sifu and the others have to scramble to hand over cash to the new administration to continue their varied businesses unimpeded. Should be a busy couple of weeks for the criminal element.

A high ranking police chief once stated that the only difference between a criminal and a policeman was a badge.

Ancient Chinese proverb: 'Criminals and Police are first cousins.'