Man In The Hot Seat Tarit Likely To Remain DSI Chief Under The Pheu Thai Government

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ANALYSIS

Man in the hot seat Tarit likely to remain DSI chief under the Pheu Thai government

By Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai

The Nation

Tarit Pengdith, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), was expected to be one of the first targets for removal among the senior bureaucrats deemed unfriendly to the new government.

However, latest information indicates that he is likely to be safe and sound in the same seat, thanks to his old connections with the Shinawatra family, a member of which - Yingluck Shinawatra - is now the prime minister.

When the Thai Rak Thai Party won the election and Thaksin Shinawatra became prime minister in 2001, Tarit - then a senior public prosecutor - was recruited to help with the government's legal affairs. Tarit was part of a working team drafting the law to establish the DSI. Later, he moved from the Office of the Attorney-General to become DSI deputy director-general, in line to become the agency's chief.

However, because of a policy change, the DSI later became dominated by police officers. When the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission was established under a law he helped draft, Tarit moved again to the new agency. He failed to become its first secretary-general but later was promoted to the top seat when the People Power Party's Sompong Amornwiwat became justice minister. When the Democrat Party rose to power, Tarit was appointed as the DSI director-general.

With yet another regime change, it is not too difficult for Tarit to mend fences with the new powers in charge. Tarit has retained good ties with Sompong, Somchai and Yaowapa Wongsawat. It was reported that Tarit, Somchai, and Yaowapa - who is the new prime minister's sister - had a video-link chat with Thaksin, who has been in self-exile in Dubai.

Tarit said recently that he was ready to work under the Pheu Thai-led government. His announcement could signal to rival elements within the DSI that he would remain at the agency's helm.

Given the current situation, it is unlikely that a threat to Tarit's seat will come from the politicians in power. Any pressure that could lead to his removal from the DSI is likely to come from the red shirts, who are still angry at Tarit for his role in taking legal action against hard-line red shirts involved in last year's political unrest and rioting.

However, a removal from the DSI could actually take Tarit to a higher position - such as deputy permanent secretary for justice - or a coveted department - such as the Legal Execution Department (as its director-general). So, it will not be a demotion at all.

-- The Nation 2011-08-13

[OzMick]

To roughly quote the head of the TRC k. Kanit "the DSI only investigates". No wonder that the red shirts hate it.

Tarit had said that he intended to investigate Yingluk's perjury charge. Seems unlikely to proceed, possibly a bargaining tool. So much for the separation of powers.

[tragickingdom]

He is sound and safe because he is a rat. Rats do have the ability to adapt. Don't be surprised that he will pursuing the prosecution of his former partner in crime Suthep soon.

[rixalex]

He is sound and safe because he is a rat. Rats do have the ability to adapt. Don't be surprised that he will pursuing the prosecution of his former partner in crime Suthep soon.

I see. So, you are saying that if he does pursue Suthep it will be a politically motivated manoeuvre to court favour by adapting to the wishes of the new rats in power?

[RedNIvar]

He is sound and safe because he is a rat. Rats do have the ability to adapt. Don't be surprised that he will pursuing the prosecution of his former partner in crime Suthep soon.

I see. So, you are saying that if he does pursue Suthep it will be a politically motivated manoeuvre to court favour by adapting to the wishes of the new rats in power?

Hey, it's a rat eat rat country. All we can do is sit back and ensure we have enough Khaw niaw and somtam.

[OzMick]

He is sound and safe because he is a rat. Rats do have the ability to adapt. Don't be surprised that he will pursuing the prosecution of his former partner in crime Suthep soon.

Not sure that your characterization is accurate, but if so, he will fit in nicely!

[wackysleet]

He is sound and safe because he is a rat. Rats do have the ability to adapt. Don't be surprised that he will pursuing the prosecution of his former partner in crime Suthep soon.

That day cannot come quick enough.