Emotional Thai Police Chief Wichean Lashes Out At 'Sabotage' Move

[webfact]

POLICE CHIEF

Emotional Wichean lashes out at 'sabotage' move

By The Nation

Speaking with great emotion, National Police Chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree said that while he was prepared to step down, he lamented "sabotage of this kind", which he said would ruin the Royal Thai Police.

"If my replacement is good enough to succeed me, or if I am no longer fit for the position and should be moved away, I will comply, but the use of such sabotage would only destroy the Royal Thai Police, and I call on those people who use it to stop doing so," he said, without elaborating on the term "sabotage".

Wichean did, however, refer to a move to replace him with Pol General Priewpan Damapong, a deputy national police commissioner and brother of Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra, the ex-wife of fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He said the existence of many active gambling dens in Bangkok was being used against him, with their continued operation being cited as an indication of his alleged incompetence.

At yesterday's press conference, held after a police in-house training session with US anti-narcotics operatives, Wichean called on "those in power" to execute their authority justly and fairly, while avoiding any attempt to tarnish the Royal Thai Police's public image, which could later lead to "public disapproval, and even eventual unrest".

Pausing frequently, gulping deeply and with reddish eyes, Wichean said that holding the top police job had never been what he would call a pleasant experience, but rather a sacrifice.

He said the integrity of the police was crucial for public trust, but it was now at risk because of "the ongoing mess".

Asked to take up the position as permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Wichean said he had not decided on the proposal or thought further about lodging a complaint with the Central Administra-tive Court protesting his prospective transfer away from the Royal Thai Police. "But if the civilian post is offered to me officially, and should I decide to take it, I would then comply and leave the Royal Thai Police."

A probe into the gambling dens is under way under the supervision of a Royal Thai Police inspector-general, with the results expected in a week's time. Any police officers found to be involved with the operation of the dens would face both disciplinary and criminal action, Wichean said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, who oversees the police and is instrumental in seeking to replace Wichean with Priewpan, said the latter was good at anti-vice duties and narcotics suppression.

He said any officials found guilty in the gambling dens' probe would be transferred in seven days of the investigation's completion.

Asked whether he was forcefully squeezing Wichean out of his job, Chalerm said: "I am not a masseur."

The deputy PM mentioned a policy to assign Border Patrol units to assist local and anti-narcotics police in extensive suppression activities. He did not say exactly when this would be implemented, but suggested it would be when Priewpan was officially appointed as the new national police commissioner.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shina-watra yesterday said Wichean was not "being squeezed out" of his post.

Former national police chief Seri-pisut Temiyavej said that although the top job was not a political appointment, it was traditionally treated like one. "Very few national police chiefs take this position until near their retirement," he added.

Ex-premier Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wichean's replacement must be based on logical grounds and not involve the personal relations bet-ween Priewpan and Thaksin. "There were complaints from other candidates when Priewpan was once nominated to be the Royal Thai Police commissioner in a proposed reshuffle [during a Thaksin administration]," Abhisit said.

-- The Nation 2011-09-01

[mca]

He said the integrity of the police was crucial for public trust, but it was now at risk because of "the ongoing mess".

That particular stable door was bolted a long time ago mate.

[Buchholz]

I look forward to a Damapong being made National Police Chief so that gambling dens and all other illegal activities as well as all police corruption are eliminated.

obligatory Thaksin-ism timeframe added:

"eliminated within 6 months".

[geriatrickid]

Brilliant reply; Asked whether he was forcefully squeezing Wichean out of his job, Chalerm said: "I am not a masseur."

It is obvious to any disinterested party that the out of control gambling operations indicated that the man couldn't keep corruption in check. If the next person cannot do the job, he should be fired not given another government position where he can botch up the job.

Hopefully, if there are corrupt officials implicated they will be charged. This corruption is just out of control.

[Who, me ?]

Your hero's brother in law is coming. Sure enough, life will be a dream then and corruption will be eradicated in no time....

Brilliant reply; Asked whether he was forcefully squeezing Wichean out of his job, Chalerm said: "I am not a masseur."

It is obvious to any disinterested party that the out of control gambling operations indicated that the man couldn't keep corruption in check. If the next person cannot do the job, he should be fired not given another government position where he can botch up the job.

Hopefully, if there are corrupt officials implicated they will be charged. This corruption is just out of control.

[Thaddeus]

He said the integrity of the police was crucial for public trust, but it was now at risk because of "the ongoing mess".

That particular stable door was bolted a long time ago mate.

This article must have been written by an infinite number of monkeys, as once the words Thai and Police have been used, most sentient lifeforms would find typing the words Trust and Integrity to be impossible.

[Buchholz]

a historical perspective of likely the next National Police Chief...

Priewpan's tears take nepotism to new levels

By The Nation

Published on August 11, 2009

Priewpan was a low-key police officer until his brother-in-law Thaksin came to power in 2001. Just before the Thaksin government declared a "war on drugs", the then prime minister handpicked his brother-in-law to head the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. In the police corridors, that meant that Priewpan was being groomed for the position of national police chief, as part of Thaksin's alleged plan to consolidate power through domination of the police service.

And although Priewpan brought some sort of embarrassment to the government with his botched operation to arrest a northern drug kingpin, who subsequently won an acquittal, he received Thaksin's blessing to bypass all senior police commissioners to get to the position of assistant national police chief. That particular promotion came at the expense of such crime-busters as Police General Seripisut Temiyavej, whose career was sidelined to pave the way for Priewpan's rise, and Police General Wongkot Maneerin, a police cadet classmate of Thaksin.

Amid the eruption of street protests against Thaksin's controversial leadership, Priewpan was again put on a fast-track promotion to become deputy national police chief, although it was, at that time, an unprecedented move to twice elevate him within a year. That prompted accusations that Thaksin was pushing to install his in-law as the police chief in an attempt to reverse his political predicament.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/08/11/opinion/opinion_30109521.php

[siampolee]

Keep it all in the family,

Manipulation of the law starts at the grass roots as of course the income derived from assorted activities does as well, the ultimate plan is being put into place for the benefit of Brother No.1 and his family and their acolytes.

What a wonderful recipe for a government. Nepotism, criminals empowered into office known corrupt individuals in positions of power, threats from violent political organizations regarding that which one can or cannot do, the plundering of state coffers to fulfil popular election promises and all at the behest of the Puppet master Brother No.1.

Mind you there could well be some stirring in the rank and file population, even now little murmurs of discontent are being heard from various sources.

Sadly it would seem as if there is indeed a civil unrest storm cloud on the horizon, in the not so distant future that storm is going to break.

[Colin Yai]

Keep it all in the family,

Manipulation of the law starts at the grass roots as of course the income derived from assorted activities does as well, the ultimate plan is being put into place for the benefit of Brother No.1 and his family and their acolytes.

What a wonderful recipe for a government. Nepotism, criminals empowered into office known corrupt individuals in positions of power, threats from violent political organizations regarding that which one can or cannot do, the plundering of state coffers to fulfil popular election promises and all at the behest of the Puppet master Brother No.1.

Mind you there could well be some stirring in the rank and file population, even now little murmurs of discontent are being heard from various sources.

Sadly it would seem as if there is indeed a civil unrest storm cloud on the horizon, in the not so distant future that storm is going to break.

Yep a potpourri of dried unadulterated bullshit, the putrid stench is getting more severe every day it would appear , how long it will be before it becomes unbearable to even the deluded that believed all the false Pre GE promises is anyone's guess!.

[slapout]

Wonder what/how much, the soon to be ex, has in various bank accounts, business associations, properties, etc? If any group should be required to show assists of all kinds, the police should be near the top of the list. If, this man is was of the honest cops , we hear about, he is probably being treated unfairly. As the man said "Life is not fair" and he had never lived in or observed Thailand.

[beano2274]

hate the fact that when these Big Officers have done something wrong they get moved to another post, should kick them out, show the others that it does not matter what rank you are, if you do something wrong you are out.

Oh the other guy is apparently a year away from retirement, what is the point of giving him the job, give it to someone who at least will do it for a few years.

Edited September 1, 2011 by beano2274

[huanga]

Manipulation of the law starts at the grass roots as of course the income derived from assorted activities does as well, the ultimate plan is being put into place for the benefit of Brother No.1 and his family and their acolytes.

What a wonderful recipe for a government. Nepotism, criminals empowered into office known corrupt individuals in positions of power, threats from violent political organizations regarding that which one can or cannot do, the plundering of state coffers to fulfil popular election promises and all at the behest of the Puppet master Brother No.1.

Thai hypocrisy, uh, DEMOCRACY, at work here! Use whatever lies possible to get the majority votes, and, in this case, a farce of democracy as your mantra. Once you are in position, democracy is out of window. Next comes the positioning of relatives and friends (nepotism) in all key positions. Voila, plundering and pillaging will soon and sure ensue for the "elite few" (that was what they were against, no?HYPOCRISY?). Most of the people voted for them really thought they were for the well being of the masses. At the end of it, it will still be the same as before. The fillet mignon go to the "elite few" and the left-over bones (if there is any in filet mignon) are thrown to the majority.

Let's just watch the drama unfold!

Edited September 1, 2011 by huanga

[webfact]

ABAC Poll: Prewpan backed as new police chief

BANGKOK, 1 September 2011 (NNT) – A majority of police officers support Police General Prewpan Dhamapong as new national police chief, according to a recent survey by Assumption University Research Centre (ABAC Poll).

The survey was conducted with 512 police officers holding the ranks of superintendent, deputy superintendent and other lower positions nationwide from 29 to 30 August 2011 on their reflection upon the appointment of the new national police chief.

62.7% of the respondents voice their agreement with Police General Prewpan to be appointed the new police chief while 37.3% disagree with the idea.

Asked for their opinions about the way a national police chief is appointed, 47.9% of the respondents go for the merit base while 31.6% think it is made on the patronage system. 20.5% of the respondents believe that it is made from a combination of both systems.

However, in deeper interviews, most of the respondents still deem incumbent National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potephosree appropriate to sit in the post due to his determination to work, compromising character, ability to promote police unity and consistent caring for the welfare of lower-ranking officers.

In addition, the majority, or 54.5%, of the respondents believe that the constitutional amendment will lead to a serious conflict while the rest or 45.5%, do not think so.

-- NNT 2011-09-01

[whybother]

However, in deeper interviews, most of the respondents still deem incumbent National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potephosree appropriate to sit in the post due to his determination to work, compromising character, ability to promote police unity and consistent caring for the welfare of lower-ranking officers.

Does this mean that the university didn't actually ask the right questions in it's 'survey'?

[hammered]

It is a great shame that Thai police positions owe themselves to political allegiance and who is in government. Through the power struggles this has only become worse it seems. When was the last time that a police chief was chosen, or passed over, not because of allegiance to groups outside.

The best answer to this is an end to the political conflict to reduce the stuffing of police positions with our people every time government changes.

The military reshuffle processes have been the same for ages too with it openly reported that those aligned a certain way were being replaced by those aligned another way. It must make everything very difficult for efficient serving officers who dont or darent take sides

Wichien though is slightly different for his position became untenable because of information exposed by a member of the opposition and not government

The next choice though looks like it will be a poltical/family one. Note how this differs from gossip on the military reshuffle which it seems is being handled very differently. The deal would seem to be government have control over police but the military will retain a little or lot of independence. The DSI chief will be interesting

[Crushdepth]

I don't think anyone is going to miss the police chief and I very much doubt that the next one will be an "improvement", whoever it is. I do hope it isn't a relative of the Shinawatra family. Nepotism is not an acceptable practice in government.

If it is a relative, it will speak volumes about the commitment of this government to 'democracy', 'transparency' and my personal favourite 'the principle of rule of law'.

[OzMick]

"Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, .......................said any officials found guilty in the gambling dens' probe would be transferred in seven days of the investigation's completion.

Transferred. Not Fired and charged. Oh no, that would waaaay to harsh.

[NanLaew]

Crocodile tears... "If my replacement is good enough to succeed me, or if I am no longer fit for the position and should be moved away, I will comply..."

He's crying because he won't have his gambling den protection racket income anymore.

He's crying because a "position as permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry" isn't exactly what he expected as an entry-level politician despite it handily bypassing the electoral processes.

"... tarnish the Royal Thai Police's public image..." Now that is a genuine <deleted>? that is! The people already know that the RTP are contemptable bunch. When news of all these gambling dens broke, the general reaction was, 'Oh my, who would have thought. Next?'

Someone was carping on about Thaksin's obsession with having control of the police. Well, he is a former policeman and he's already had his hand burned when he tried to dabble in army promotions when he was the PM. If the Republic of Thailand has any chance of succeeding, there does need to be an effective counterweight to the army's traditional, over-endorsed, overkill in messing in Thailand's affairs. The RTP is perceived as being that counterweight. But maybe it would be handy to REALLY have it cleaned up first before it can pretend to be something that the public will trust.

[RickBradford]

These people simply don't understand the word 'enough'.

Yingluck has an unbeatable majority, and if she wants everyone in her family to have a ministry, Army division, or telecoms franchise to play with, all she has to do is take it easy, at a time frame that people can accept.

But no, she (or those pulling the strings behind her) has to go out and bust everyone's chops in the most obvious way possible, causing resentment where there doesn't have to be any if she used a skerrick of common sense.

It's almost as if it's deliberate -- a slap in the face to those who aren't toeing the line.

I wonder how long it will be before the Yellow Shirts hit the streets again.

[Buchholz]

If the Republic of Thailand has any chance of succeeding

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

YES!!! Let's get rid of that horrid corruption of gambling and replace it with something much better...NEPOTISM.... Everyone will feel much better for the change...

And surely, let's not do anything to tarnish the fine reputation of the BIB.... Perish the thought....

If anyone thinks gambling is the only source of illicit revenue that comes their way, they've got a lot to learn.

[webfact]

Retired Police General Proposes Decentralization to Stop Political Interference

The head of the police reform committee is suggesting the decentralization of authority at the police department in order to guard against political intervention.

Police General Wasit Dejkunchorn, who currently chairs the Police Reform Committee established during the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration, said rumors and talks about a possible leadership change at the Royal Thai Police have been around for some time.

It has undeniably affected the morale of officers and weakened the police department overall.

Wasit said he previously proposed decentralizing the authority to various regions, in order to solve the issue.

He added that if the police chief has less power, the police organization will likely be less vulnerable to political influence.

He went on to say that if the government does not seriously consider the reform, the police institution could become even weaker than criminals.

Regarding a proposal that a police chief be selected through an election, Wasit said an election is not a suitable selection process, as the decision should be based on merit and seniority.

He added that some officers who think they have been passed over for promotion or were subjected to unfair treatment should ask themselves whether they have benefited from unfair promotions in the past.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-01

[webfact]

ASTV:Chalerm proposes to PM to transfer police chief to Natl Security Council sec-gen; nominates Priewpan, Panupong, Parnsiri as replacement /

INN: PM to let Deputy PM Chalerm decide about transfer of police chief /

/TAN_Network

[geriatrickid]

Your hero's brother in law is coming. Sure enough, life will be a dream then and corruption will be eradicated in no time....

Brilliant reply; Asked whether he was forcefully squeezing Wichean out of his job, Chalerm said: "I am not a masseur."

It is obvious to any disinterested party that the out of control gambling operations indicated that the man couldn't keep corruption in check. If the next person cannot do the job, he should be fired not given another government position where he can botch up the job.

Hopefully, if there are corrupt officials implicated they will be charged. This corruption is just out of control.

Hardly my hero. However, if the gentleman can do a better job, then more power to him. If he cannot, then he should be terminated and replaced. If he can track down some undesirable foreigners and deport them too, that would be a bonus.

[Farang0tang]

These people simply don't understand the word 'enough'.

Yingluck has an unbeatable majority, and if she wants everyone in her family to have a ministry, Army division, or telecoms franchise to play with, all she has to do is take it easy, at a time frame that people can accept.

But no, she (or those pulling the strings behind her) has to go out and bust everyone's chops in the most obvious way possible, causing resentment where there doesn't have to be any if she used a skerrick of common sense.

It's almost as if it's deliberate -- a slap in the face to those who aren't toeing the line.

I wonder how long it will be before the Yellow Shirts hit the streets again.

Methinks before this years end.

Perhaps sooner, thier constraint is commendable.

Provocations are daily now.

Edited September 1, 2011 by Farang0tang

[moe666]

So far so good closer and closer to the real agenda

[Who, me ?]

Your hero's brother in law is coming. Sure enough, life will be a dream then and corruption will be eradicated in no time....

Brilliant reply; Asked whether he was forcefully squeezing Wichean out of his job, Chalerm said: "I am not a masseur."

It is obvious to any disinterested party that the out of control gambling operations indicated that the man couldn't keep corruption in check. If the next person cannot do the job, he should be fired not given another government position where he can botch up the job.

Hopefully, if there are corrupt officials implicated they will be charged. This corruption is just out of control.

Hardly my hero. However, if the gentleman can do a better job, then more power to him. If he cannot, then he should be terminated and replaced. If he can track down some undesirable foreigners and deport them too, that would be a bonus.

Would you please care to let us know what is a undesirable foreigner?

And in case you did not notice, your hero is a fugitive criminal trying to escape a jail sentence, and has NOT been elected Prime Minister after the 3 july election..... Yingluk, his sister has been....

[siampolee]

Hardly my hero. However, if the gentleman can do a better job, then more power to him. If he cannot, then he should be terminated and replaced. If he can track down some undesirable foreigners and deport them too, that would be a bonus.

So you as a foreigner are in your view entitled to sit in judgement upon others unseen to satisfy your pomposity.

Methinks you should get out a little more into the real world.

And in case you did not notice, your hero is a fugitive criminal trying to escape a jail sentence, and has NOT been elected Prime Minister after the 3 july election..... Yingluk, his sister has been....

Well Said Who, me

Edited September 1, 2011 by siampolee

[sungod]

Anyone any ideas how a lowly Police Capt such as Chalerm made his millions?

[kraplung]

Hmmm..... so we now have a fugitive criminal's sister as Prime Minister and his ex brother in law as the police chief. That other well known tax dodger Al Capone would have been very impressed!