PM Yingluck Tasks Deputy Chalerm To Oversee Police Reshuffle

[webfact]

NEW POLICE CHIEF?

Yingluck will let Chalerm make decision

By The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that she trusted her deputy Chalerm Yoobamrung with the decision of who should serve as the police chief.

Chalerm later in the day hinted at the possibility that the new police chief might be named within seven days and that many police officers will be targeted in the upcoming reshuffle.

When asked whether the appointment of a new police chief would take place in seven days, Chalerm said, "Quite close. But one should never open the umbrella before it rains."

The deputy prime minister is rumoured to be deliberately playing up the casino scandal so that Pol General Wichean Potephosree is removed from the helm of the National Police Office and replaced by Pol General Priewpan Damapong, brother of Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra and currently a deputy police chief.

Chalerm criticised Wichean for not cracking down on gambling dens.

"He has been in charge of the police force for over a year now. Why doesn't he do something about it?" the deputy prime minister said.

Underground gambling parlours became a hot issue recently when opposition MP Chuwit Kamolvisit showed a video in Parliament that exposed a big gambling operation in Bangkok.

"I will need to put the right man in the right job," Chalerm said.

The police chief, besides commanding respect from his subordinates, should be honest and good at suppression, he said.

Wichean had not climbed the ladder through suppression assignments, but had spent most of his career serving units under the Office of Royal Court Security Police, he said.

Many generals were qualified for the top job, including Priewpan and Panupong Singhara na Ayutthaya, another deputy police chief, he said.

Wichean and Priewpan attended the Police Commission meeting, which Yingluck chaired for the first time. Yingluck stayed in the meeting room for just about 15 minutes, and later assigned Chalerm to chair the meeting.

Wichean emerged from the meeting with no smile on his face, while Priewpan was also expressionless.

Wichean was promoted to his current position during the previous Democrat-led administration.

Chalerm admitted that he thought about giving justice to Priewpan who he felt was unfairly transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister following the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin from power.

While Chalerm said he would not interfere in the upcoming annual reshuffle, which would be prepared by September 30, he would make recommendations.

"During recent election campaigns, I have seen so many police officers acting with bias. I, of course, will have to raise these points," Chalerm said.

Democrat leader-elect Abhisit Vejjajiva, who headed the previous administration, said the police chief was not a political appointee.

"The National Police chief should not lose his job when a new government comes to power," he said.

Any unfair transfer could lead to conflicts, he said.

A probe by the National Police's Office of the Inspector-General concluded that an illegal gambling centre had indeed operated in the precinct of Sutthisan Police Station as alleged by Chuwit.

"The initial investigation shows 19 police were negligent in this case," said Pol General Sathaporn Laothong, the inspector-general.

They included Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Jaktip Chaijinda, Metropolitan Police Divi-sion 2 Commander Maj-General Damrongsak Kittiprapas and Sutthi-san Superintendent Colonel Paisan Wongwatcharamongkhon, he said.

Ampon Wongsiri, secretary-general of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, said Chalerm instructed him to close within three days all 42 gambling dens.

-- The Nation 2011-08-31

[slapout]

We hear about the police going to inactive posts, or transferred out of the area, as they allowed the gaming establishments to operate. This inaction, appears to be one of the least, of the BIB sins. Who own/operates the places, guess we will never hear names, no jail time for owner/operators, and certainly no loss of assets purchased with ill gotten gains. Wonder who bankrolls the underground 3 digit lottery every fortnight? This seems to be a countrywide/huge operation.

At least the so called customers are volunteers for their involvement in this illegal activity. The government could look much closer to home and go after their own employees/members who are stealing from the public.The latter group (public) have zero chance of coming out even, much less ahead.

[webfact]

BKK Post website says Pol Chief Wichean "seems doomed" & has photo to prove it. YL isn't smiling http://yfrog.com/h8ypoxvj /via@terryfrd

[hanuman2543]

The deputy prime minister shared with the media his personal opinion on important qualities a national police chief should have.

Among them, Chalerm listed honesty, extensive experience in crime suppression and ability to exert his authority.

Where he wants to find somebody fitting that job describtion?

[Who, me ?]

The deputy prime minister shared with the media his personal opinion on important qualities a national police chief should have.

Among them, Chalerm listed honesty, extensive experience in crime suppression and ability to exert his authority.

Where he wants to find somebody fitting that job describtion?

Well, definitely not in the one who handled his son's case ....

Poor Thailand....

I feel already that some relative of Thaksin is going to have a new job very soon....

[rametindallas]

oh look what is happening...

All the Pro Yingluck supporters that have made a come back to the forums have suddenly all gone quiet...

They switch sides like the wind...

I suspect that they have simply given up, bored with the anti Yingluk/Thaksin/PTP/Red Shirt/etc hatefest which this forum has become.

Maybe they got tired trying to defend the indefensible or maybe they weren't all that sincere in their opinions.

[Buchholz]

BKK Post website says Pol Chief Wichean "seems doomed" & has photo to prove it. YL isn't smiling http://yfrog.com/h8ypoxvj /via@terryfrd

YL is also showing a rather startlingly rapid aging process after just a couple of weeks in office.

[hands22]

Pol Chief Wichean needs to go. And not a moment too soon. Just look at that tummy. Chalerm looks to be in better shape than Wichean.

And, yes, though I like Yingluck.... she needs to let her hair down. She looks a little old in the picture.

[473geo]

If there are illegal activities which require attention, if the police chief has not addressed these areas......

Either he is not functioning well in his role......

Or the previous government did not instruct him to address the issues.....

[Buchholz]

Time for one of those vaunted Thaksin-isms, like all crime will be eliminated in six months.

.

[webfact]

Political wind changes, police head rolls: Seripisut

By The Nation

National police chief General Wichean Potephosee should bow to the shifting political wind rather than resist the change, former police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej said on Wednesday.

"There are two ways to remove Wichean - the hard way or the gentle way," he said.

Seripisut said he was an example of getting and losing the job because of a change of government.

"It is normal that the powers-that-be would want their man as chief of police," he said.

He reminded Wichean that he should accept a deal to accept a new job offer to become a permanent secretary at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, which is an equivalent position in ranking and seniority.

Should Wichean refuse to be transferred, he said the government would create an inactive position for him within the police service equivalent to the police chief. If this happens, Wichean would be sidelined and the government would have the mandate to name a new police chief without violating the Police Act, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-08-31

[OzMick]

If there are illegal activities which require attention, if the police chief has not addressed these areas......

Either he is not functioning well in his role......

Or the previous government did not instruct him to address the issues.....

Right - nor has he stopped drug dealing, sorted Bangkok's traffic, or police corruption. Replace him with the BIL!

Now, how long should we give him to fix all these problems. The incumbent has 3 days to close all gambling dens, so a month should be sufficient don't you think? Remember these are high priority PTP and Thaksin policies.

[webfact]

Deputy PM Chalerm: Police Chief to be Trasnferred over Gambling Dens

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung admits the national police chief has to be transferred, but says the transfer will be made at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, the investigation results over the controversial gambling dens have been submitted to the national police chief; five police generals are expected to face charges of negligence of duty.

Deputy Prime Minister, Police Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung said after the meeting of Police Commission chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that the premier has instructed all police officers to step up law enforcement and crack down on gambling dens.

Chalerm further said the prime minister is paying attention to police officers who hold a Bachelor's degree and are barristers-at-law, and will propose that the Royal Thai Police promote them to the rank of commissioned officers.

He said the prime minister will also propose that the Royal Thai Police consider promoting officers over 53 years of age of police senior sergeant major ranks to the rank of police sub-lieutenant.

Charlerm affirmed that the upcoming police reshuffle will be conducted with careful consideration and full transparency, and that there will be no political interference in the reshuffle.

The deputy prime minister openly said that the national police chief will be transferred, but said the transfer has to be made at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Inspector General, Police Lieutenant General Sathaporn Laothong disclosed that he submitted a preliminary report to the national police chief on its findings concerning controversial gambling dens in the area under the jurisdiction of the Suthisarn police station, with a list of officers who should face disciplinary action.

In the report, the panel pointed out the alleged wrongdoings and negligence of each officer and disciplinary measures to be taken against each of them.

Five police generals were found negligent for allowing gambling venues to operate in the Suthisan area.

They include Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Lieutenant General Chakthip Chaijinda and his deputies Police Major General Worasak Noppasitthiporn, and Police Major General Sarote Promcharoen, commander of the bureau's Investigation Center, Police Major General Ronasilp Phusara, and Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 2 Commander Police Major General Damrongsak Kittiprapas.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-31

[scorecard]

We hear about the police going to inactive posts, or transferred out of the area, as they allowed the gaming establishments to operate. This inaction, appears to be one of the least, of the BIB sins. Who own/operates the places, guess we will never hear names, no jail time for owner/operators, and certainly no loss of assets purchased with ill gotten gains. Wonder who bankrolls the underground 3 digit lottery every fortnight? This seems to be a countrywide/huge operation.

At least the so called customers are volunteers for their involvement in this illegal activity. The government could look much closer to home and go after their own employees/members who are stealing from the public.The latter group (public) have zero chance of coming out even, much less ahead.

Chalerm is all gung ho about giving the police chief 3 days to clean it up.

What about some strong statements from chalerm about naming and prosecuting the owners / contollers of these gambling dens, drug manufacturing and distribution, etc.

Come on chuwit, don't drop the ball now, reveal something which pushes chalerm.

Edited August 31, 2011 by scorecard

[473geo]

If there are illegal activities which require attention, if the police chief has not addressed these areas......

Either he is not functioning well in his role......

Or the previous government did not instruct him to address the issues.....

Right - nor has he stopped drug dealing, sorted Bangkok's traffic, or police corruption. Replace him with the BIL!

Now, how long should we give him to fix all these problems. The incumbent has 3 days to close all gambling dens, so a month should be sufficient don't you think? Remember these are high priority PTP and Thaksin policies.

Oh right, so the incumbent was powerless under the democrat government, could not identify the need to fix the gambling dens and take necessary action, and did not receive instruction from the previous government so was unable to act......maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job.

[webfact]

PM Chairs First Police Commission Meeting

Thailand's first female prime minister has chaired her first Police Commission meeting and says the possibility of transferring the national police chief was not discussed at the meeting.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the first Police Commission meeting since coming into power at the National Police head office yesterday.

Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobumrung, who has been assigned to be in charge of National Police Office affairs, also attended the conference.

The premier was welcomed by the police guard of honor, and the female crowd control police officers provided tight security.

Yingluck also paid homage to the King Rama IV statue before attending the meeting.

The agenda for yesterday's meeting was the possible extension of the consideration period for the police reshuffle.

The reshuffle involved high-ranking officers in positions of commissioners, inspector generals, and deputy police chiefs.

Moreover, those at the conference discussed pay increases and pay rate adjustments for police officers in the rank of deputy commanders or equivalent.

The prime minister denied that the transfer of National Police Chief, Police General Wichien Pojpohsri was discussed at the meeting.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-31

[OzMick]

If there are illegal activities which require attention, if the police chief has not addressed these areas......

Either he is not functioning well in his role......

Or the previous government did not instruct him to address the issues.....

Right - nor has he stopped drug dealing, sorted Bangkok's traffic, or police corruption. Replace him with the BIL!

Now, how long should we give him to fix all these problems. The incumbent has 3 days to close all gambling dens, so a month should be sufficient don't you think? Remember these are high priority PTP and Thaksin policies.

Oh right, so the incumbent was powerless under the democrat government, could not identify the need to fix the gambling dens and take necessary action, and did not receive instruction from the previous government so was unable to act......maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job.

"maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job."

See post #43 5555555555555555555555555555555555

[OzMick]

"Chalerm further said the prime minister is paying attention to police officers who hold a Bachelor's degree and are barristers-at-law, and will propose that the Royal Thai Police promote them to the rank of commissioned officers.

He said the prime minister will also propose that the Royal Thai Police consider promoting officers over 53 years of age of police senior sergeant major ranks to the rank of police sub-lieutenant."

Only a few million baht per month buys heaps of allegiance. And of course, a rellie in the top job.

[473geo]

If there are illegal activities which require attention, if the police chief has not addressed these areas......

Either he is not functioning well in his role......

Or the previous government did not instruct him to address the issues.....

Right - nor has he stopped drug dealing, sorted Bangkok's traffic, or police corruption. Replace him with the BIL!

Now, how long should we give him to fix all these problems. The incumbent has 3 days to close all gambling dens, so a month should be sufficient don't you think? Remember these are high priority PTP and Thaksin policies.

Oh right, so the incumbent was powerless under the democrat government, could not identify the need to fix the gambling dens and take necessary action, and did not receive instruction from the previous government so was unable to act......maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job.

"maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job."

See post #43 5555555555555555555555555555555555

Immitation......a form of flattery I believe......thanks.....

[473geo]

If there are illegal activities which require attention, if the police chief has not addressed these areas......

Either he is not functioning well in his role......

Or the previous government did not instruct him to address the issues.....

Right - nor has he stopped drug dealing, sorted Bangkok's traffic, or police corruption. Replace him with the BIL!

Now, how long should we give him to fix all these problems. The incumbent has 3 days to close all gambling dens, so a month should be sufficient don't you think? Remember these are high priority PTP and Thaksin policies.

Oh right, so the incumbent was powerless under the democrat government, could not identify the need to fix the gambling dens and take necessary action, and did not receive instruction from the previous government so was unable to act......maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job.

"maybe he now has the backing of a strong government he could do the job."

See post #43 5555555555555555555555555555555555

Of course he would have to remain in the job to receive the support he failed to receive from his previous employers......sadly looks like they left him in a bit of a spot......

[scotbeve]

Former PM Calls for Transparent Reshuffle

The former Prime Minister warns against political interference in the upcoming police reshuffle.

He calls for the transfers to be transparent and fair.

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called on Deputy Minister, Police Captain Chalerm Yoobumrung to ensure that the police reshuffle is carried out transparently.

He added that the transfers should be based on the individuals' qualifications.

Abhisit warned that an unfair reshuffle will result in more conflicts and internal rifts.

The former premier also reminded Chalerm that the post of the national police chief isn't a political one.

Oftentimes, a new national police chief is appointed when a new government takes office.

Abhisit also questioned the recent increase in diesel price and feared oil distributors will benefit from the suspension of the Oil Fund contribution instead of consumers.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-30

And Suthep was an appropriate choice "appointment" as Deputy PM due to his qualifications during the last errm... administration???

[Moruya]

we all know the new surname will be Damapong - yet another relative of Thaksin

[scorecard]

"Chalerm further said the prime minister is paying attention to police officers who hold a Bachelor's degree and are barristers-at-law, and will propose that the Royal Thai Police promote them to the rank of commissioned officers.

He said the prime minister will also propose that the Royal Thai Police consider promoting officers over 53 years of age of police senior sergeant major ranks to the rank of police sub-lieutenant."

Only a few million baht per month buys heaps of allegiance. And of course, a rellie in the top job.

So we now have another version of the 15,000 minimum for new graduates - in this police scenario you now get paid according to the number / level of degrees that you have.

The way all of the public service is administered is already a total and absolute nightmare of mishmash policies which clash with other parts of the various policies. So now we make it even more complex and mismatched.

And no mention of promotion / pay because of displayed capability and displayed past superior performance.

Edited August 31, 2011 by scorecard

[whybother]

And Suthep was an appropriate choice "appointment" as Deputy PM due to his qualifications during the last errm... administration???

Nearly as good as Chalerm's appointment.

But in this case Abhisit was talking about the police chief, not political appointments. Well, in the case of PTP, it will probably be a political appointment of the new police chief.

[Buchholz]

we all know the new surname will be Damapong - yet another relative of Thaksin

but...but...but... they're divorced.

[scorecard]

we all know the new surname will be Damapong - yet another relative of Thaksin

And of course we'll be bombarded with claims about his seniority, and therefore his automatic right to the promotion.

Wonder what the odds are on that name in the gambling dens?

[animatic]

BKK Post website says Pol Chief Wichean "seems doomed" & has photo to prove it. YL isn't smiling http://yfrog.com/h8ypoxvj /via@terryfrd

YL is also showing a rather startlingly rapid aging process after just a couple of weeks in office.

Clearly so.

Sad too, I doubt she signed on for the stress levels she is getting.

2 years and she'll resemble Golda Mier!

Nope, snap election before the crows feet reach her knees.

Edited August 31, 2011 by animatic

[animatic]

we all know the new surname will be Damapong - yet another relative of Thaksin

but...but...but... they're divorced.

But there's the children to consider...

related through genetics permanently.

Oh and greed is the tie that binds too.

[Colin Yai]

we all know the new surname will be Damapong - yet another relative of Thaksin

but...but...but... they're divorced.

Hey Buchholz, the only thing this lot are divorced from is reality !!.

[kraplung]

we all know the new surname will be Damapong - yet another relative of Thaksin

but...but...but... they're divorced.

A divorce of convenience!