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

[arrowsdawdle]

I hope the Thai people are now happy that they have voted in this government that they now have to live with their actions. The Democrats were not perfect but at least they tried to be honest and transparent. Now expect greater levels of corruption and graft. The Shinawatra empire is being expanded to dominate and run the country. Taksin was not joking when he wanted to run the country like a ceo; Shinawatra family group business=Thailand.

The democrats were honest and transparent? When? How? Where? What action made you come to that incredibly naive conclusion? All they did was to make sure the army got stronger, and the wealthiest families in Thailand got richer. They took every opportunity they could to ensure the average Thai saw no improvement in their lives. Can you point to anything they did that displayed honesty? The ranking of Thailand during the reign of Abhisit dropped 20 points on the scale of press journalism. The censorship as greater than ever. Where was the honesty? Was that just wishful thinking? The Thai people voted Yingluck into power. That is more than what could be said about Abhisit, who was basically appointed by the generals. Sour grapes?

This transparent honesty, did it include the fabrication that interpol had issued a warrant for the exiled PM? Did in include the British citizenship details of the recent past PM?

[Siripon]

I hope the Thai people are now happy that they have voted in this government that they now have to live with their actions. The Democrats were not perfect but at least they tried to be honest and transparent. Now expect greater levels of corruption and graft. The Shinawatra empire is being expanded to dominate and run the country. Taksin was not joking when he wanted to run the country like a ceo; Shinawatra family group business=Thailand.

The democrats were honest and transparent? When? How? Where? What action made you come to that incredibly naive conclusion? All they did was to make sure the army got stronger, and the wealthiest families in Thailand got richer. They took every opportunity they could to ensure the average Thai saw no improvement in their lives. Can you point to anything they did that displayed honesty? The ranking of Thailand during the reign of Abhisit dropped 20 points on the scale of press journalism. The censorship as greater than ever. Where was the honesty? Was that just wishful thinking? The Thai people voted Yingluck into power. That is more than what could be said about Abhisit, who was basically appointed by the generals. Sour grapes?

Democrats' achievements assisting the average Thai:

1. Crop subsidy programme, millions of farmers benefited.

2. Free education extended to 15 years.

3. Pension for over 60s.

4. Start of community land title deeds.

5 Transfer of shark loan debts to state banks at lower interest.

[AleG]

Anyway, he was a political appointee, he's done a demonstrably pisspoor job, and he's been moved sideways to a cushy number (all, no doubt, negotiated and approved by all the Important People. Let's see if the Thaksin appointee does any better. He will struggle to do any worse, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.

One difference between the appointment of this police chief and the new police chief, is that the current one was appointed 9 months after the Democrats came to power and after the retirement of the previous police chief. No one was forced out to make the appointment.

And the assigned police chief wasn't a relative of Abhisit, of course.

[hanuman1]

Anyway, he was a political appointee, he's done a demonstrably pisspoor job, and he's been moved sideways to a cushy number (all, no doubt, negotiated and approved by all the Important People. Let's see if the Thaksin appointee does any better. He will struggle to do any worse, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.

One difference between the appointment of this police chief and the new police chief, is that the current one was appointed 9 months after the Democrats came to power and after the retirement of the previous police chief. No one was forced out to make the appointment.

Maybe no-one was forced out because there wasn't such an immediate problem in the police force back then. Or maybe the extent of police corruption and other shortcomings was pretty similar to what it is today, but it was more convenient to keep the old guy in charge. Lots of maybe's. Maybe they shouldn't all be discounted.

[samran]

Anyway, he was a political appointee, he's done a demonstrably pisspoor job, and he's been moved sideways to a cushy number (all, no doubt, negotiated and approved by all the Important People. Let's see if the Thaksin appointee does any better. He will struggle to do any worse, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.

One difference between the appointment of this police chief and the new police chief, is that the current one was appointed 9 months after the Democrats came to power and after the retirement of the previous police chief. No one was forced out to make the appointment.

Maybe no-one was forced out because there wasn't such an immediate problem in the police force back then. Or maybe the extent of police corruption and other shortcomings was pretty similar to what it is today, but it was more convenient to keep the old guy in charge. Lots of maybe's. Maybe they shouldn't all be discounted.

and you must believe in the tooth fairy.

This is a political hatchet job pure and simple.

[Buchholz]

Anyway, he was a political appointee, he's done a demonstrably pisspoor job, and he's been moved sideways to a cushy number (all, no doubt, negotiated and approved by all the Important People. Let's see if the Thaksin appointee does any better. He will struggle to do any worse, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.

One difference between the appointment of this police chief and the new police chief, is that the current one was appointed 9 months after the Democrats came to power and after the retirement of the previous police chief. No one was forced out to make the appointment.

Maybe no-one was forced out because there wasn't such an immediate problem in the police force back then. Or maybe the extent of police corruption and other shortcomings was pretty similar to what it is today, but it was more convenient to keep the old guy in charge. Lots of maybe's. Maybe they shouldn't all be discounted.

and you must believe in the tooth fairy.

This is a political hatchet job pure and simple.

Thanks for cutting to the chase and preempt pages of speculation and maybe's.

[Lite Beer]

Date to pick new police chief not finalised: Aek

By The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has yet to scheduled the Police Policy Board to name the new national police chief, board secretary General Aek Angsananot said on Friday.

Aek said he was not sure if the board could convene by Monday as speculated in the press.

"Normally the board convenes once a month but the prime minister could call an urgent meeting with a three-day prior notice," he said.

He explained the nomination procedures that he would prepare a list of 14 qualified candidates for the job. The prime minister will, in turn, nominate a cadiddate from the list for a vote by the 11-member board.

The successful nomination must have the backing of a simple majority, or six votes.

As six board members are the prime minister, the ministers for Justice and Interior, the permanent secretaries from the two ministries and the National Security Council secretary general, the government is not expected have any problem pushing for the nomination.

Yingluck sad in Thursday she approved the proposal to move incumbent national police chief General Wichean Potephosree to the position of NSC secretary general.

The proposal was advanced by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Wichean's deputy General Prewpan Damapong is tipped as the top contender to replace him.

Prewpan is also the elder brother of Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra, ex-wife of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- The Nation 2011-09-02

[Who, me ?]

Date to pick new police chief not finalised: Aek

By The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has yet to scheduled the Police Policy Board to name the new national police chief, board secretary General Aek Angsananot said on Friday.

Aek said he was not sure if the board could convene by Monday as speculated in the press.

"Normally the board convenes once a month but the prime minister could call an urgent meeting with a three-day prior notice," he said.

He explained the nomination procedures that he would prepare a list of 14 qualified candidates for the job. The prime minister will, in turn, nominate a cadiddate from the list for a vote by the 11-member board.

The successful nomination must have the backing of a simple majority, or six votes.

As six board members are the prime minister, the ministers for Justice and Interior, the permanent secretaries from the two ministries and the National Security Council secretary general, the government is not expected have any problem pushing for the nomination.

Yingluck sad in Thursday she approved the proposal to move incumbent national police chief General Wichean Potephosree to the position of NSC secretary general.

The proposal was advanced by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Wichean's deputy General Prewpan Damapong is tipped as the top contender to replace him.

Prewpan is also the elder brother of Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra, ex-wife of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- The Nation 2011-09-02

Breath taking suspense !!! I can't wait....Who will be the next Chief of police, mmm, who ??? I am thrilled...

Edited September 2, 2011 by Who, me ?

[hanuman1]

One difference between the appointment of this police chief and the new police chief, is that the current one was appointed 9 months after the Democrats came to power and after the retirement of the previous police chief. No one was forced out to make the appointment.

Maybe no-one was forced out because there wasn't such an immediate problem in the police force back then. Or maybe the extent of police corruption and other shortcomings was pretty similar to what it is today, but it was more convenient to keep the old guy in charge. Lots of maybe's. Maybe they shouldn't all be discounted.

and you must believe in the tooth fairy.

This is a political hatchet job pure and simple.

Maybe so. Anyway, too much of this political hatchetry and no doubt enough voters will get pissed off enough to vote this government out at the next election. Unless the threat of violence in order to remove it is once again invoked before that has a chance of happening.

[EyesWideOpen]

I wonder what Wichean had to pay to get that position. If a regular policeman has to pay a million baht to get a job, hard to imagine what the chief of all the police has to pay. Next question is if you obtain the position by nepotism , is it free ??? :jap:

[rixalex]

In respect to my comment on undesirables, how does that translate into saying people that disagree with me should be removed? An undesirable within the context of immigration laws are those that are non compliant with the applicable rules and regulations. Surely, all of those people criticizing are in full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. I suspect a great deal of the resentment expressed by some foreigners is due to their marginal existence in Thailand. Too bad. I am certain that if the government and its law enforcement officials cracked down on these drug dealers and gambling dens the country would be better off. If some farangs are uneasy about having the debauchery curtailed, again too bad.

The reason why i, and perhaps others, have the impression that you would feel a smug sense of happiness in seeing those in disagreement with you (ie those who aren't Shinawatra sycophants) ejected from the country, is because this is the view you have oft expressed in numerous threads. It goes along the lines of "just you guys wait until Thaksin does come back... IP addresses can be traced you know". These pathetic threats towards differing opinion, that do, by the way, fit you in perfectly with red mentality (as demonstrated recently with the wreath layers), are all a matter of record.

[rixalex]

Maybe so. Anyway, too much of this political hatchetry and no doubt enough voters will get pissed off enough to vote this government out at the next election. Unless the threat of violence in order to remove it is once again invoked before that has a chance of happening.

Or unless a significant proportion of the public is once again duped into believing flat out lies, in the run up to the next election.

[rixalex]

I wonder what Wichean had to pay to get that position. If a regular policeman has to pay a million baht to get a job, hard to imagine what the chief of all the police has to pay. Next question is if you obtain the position by nepotism , is it free ??? :jap:

I think not free, but kind of, pay as you go.

Those (or perhaps that should be, the person)who put him up on his lofty perch, will expect a return from their "investment" in him.

[hammered]

She appears to have several, but I expect one is listened to a lot more than others, as you alluded to. But there was a similar problem with the last government. And, when this was pointed out on the forum, there was ferocious denial and attack toward any posters suggesting it. Funny thing, politics, isn't it?

It is amazing how many people miss that the big players in the power game arent in any parliament and arent even seen that much with the exception of Thaksin.

The old police chief was a political choice emanating directly from an unseen player. The new one will be too. Manager of all places had a cartoon showing the decline in power of the outgoing police chiefs benefactor. Thai poltical cartoons often give more away than will ever be written about.

Your comment about Abhisit only being a front is spot on too. Who he was controlled by was glaringly obvious back in the April/May stuff. It is a shame for the country that the democrat party havent realised that this linkage has wrecked tham as a viable party of government through the electroal system. Which makes me think of the Manager cartoon again

[hammered]

I wonder what Wichean had to pay to get that position. If a regular policeman has to pay a million baht to get a job, hard to imagine what the chief of all the police has to pay. Next question is if you obtain the position by nepotism , is it free ??? :jap:

I think not free, but kind of, pay as you go.

Those (or perhaps that should be, the person)who put him up on his lofty perch, will expect a return from their "investment" in him.

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

[rixalex]

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

Sometimes it would be nice if people spoke a little more directly. Is it really always necessary to speak of people, bodies or groups, without daring to mention their names? Too much hiding behind LM going on IMO.

[hammered]

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

Sometimes it would be nice if people spoke a little more directly. Is it really always necessary to speak of people, bodies or groups, without daring to mention their names? Too much hiding behind LM going on IMO.

I am actually not reffering to those covered by LM and wouldnt even think of doing so, and would rather not be accused of such things

I am sure anyone who is a keen follower of Thai politics knows both the bodies and the main man behind the democrats or at least the democrat establishment as from what I understand there are democrats who would like to break such links, but who lack the internal clout and numbers

[hanuman1]

Is it considered naughty to talk about Prem?

[kraplung]

In respect to my comment on undesirables, how does that translate into saying people that disagree with me should be removed? An undesirable within the context of immigration laws are those that are non compliant with the applicable rules and regulations. Surely, all of those people criticizing are in full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. I suspect a great deal of the resentment expressed by some foreigners is due to their marginal existence in Thailand. Too bad. I am certain that if the government and its law enforcement officials cracked down on these drug dealers and gambling dens the country would be better off. If some farangs are uneasy about having the debauchery curtailed, again too bad.

The reason why i, and perhaps others, have the impression that you would feel a smug sense of happiness in seeing those in disagreement with you (ie those who aren't Shinawatra sycophants) ejected from the country, is because this is the view you have oft expressed in numerous threads. It goes along the lines of "just you guys wait until Thaksin does come back... IP addresses can be traced you know". These pathetic threats towards differing opinion, that do, by the way, fit you in perfectly with red mentality (as demonstrated recently with the wreath layers), are all a matter of record.

If Max does come back it is likely that certain events will have transpired in which case remaining in the LOS may not be such an attractive proposition anyway.

[EyesWideOpen]

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

Sometimes it would be nice if people spoke a little more directly. Is it really always necessary to speak of people, bodies or groups, without daring to mention their names? Too much hiding behind LM going on IMO.

There is a Thai saying about the people in power... " Those that know do not speak, those that speak do not know."

Edited September 2, 2011 by rhiekel

[kraplung]

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

Sometimes it would be nice if people spoke a little more directly. Is it really always necessary to speak of people, bodies or groups, without daring to mention their names? Too much hiding behind LM going on IMO.

There is a Thai saying about the people in power... " Those that know do not speak, those that speak do not know."

That comment certainly hits the target.

[rixalex]

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

Sometimes it would be nice if people spoke a little more directly. Is it really always necessary to speak of people, bodies or groups, without daring to mention their names? Too much hiding behind LM going on IMO.

I am actually not reffering to those covered by LM and wouldnt even think of doing so, and would rather not be accused of such things

I am sure anyone who is a keen follower of Thai politics knows both the bodies and the main man behind the democrats or at least the democrat establishment as from what I understand there are democrats who would like to break such links, but who lack the internal clout and numbers

Apologies. It's just i get a bit frustrated from time to time with the continual and unnecessary (as i see it) habit of referring to people or groups without mentioning their name/names, and i don't think the reasoning of "we all know who i'm talking about, so i needn't mention it", covers it. It seems to be a common habit when discussing Thai politics in particular, and i think it comes from the whole LM business, whereby people get into a certain habit of not mentioning names. This habit is allowed to extend into areas it needn't, and my own feeling about the reasoning for this, is basically laziness. Easier to speak in general non-specific terms and less easy to get tied down on a point, when you remain slightly vague and ambiguous.

[kraplung]

Wichean was put there for control purposes. Those who put him in wanted to be able to try and exert control over a body which leant heavily against them. Now control will return to the more natural controllers of this body. With Wichean the investment was a lot more poltical and has obviously failed. Now those that put him place are playing defence on the things they think they can defend and have obviously accepted the relaity of the things that they cant influence.

Now in regards to casinos and drug wars in every change lies opportunity and as with previous such things some are well positioned to increase their share of the market

Sometimes it would be nice if people spoke a little more directly. Is it really always necessary to speak of people, bodies or groups, without daring to mention their names? Too much hiding behind LM going on IMO.

I am actually not reffering to those covered by LM and wouldnt even think of doing so, and would rather not be accused of such things

I am sure anyone who is a keen follower of Thai politics knows both the bodies and the main man behind the democrats or at least the democrat establishment as from what I understand there are democrats who would like to break such links, but who lack the internal clout and numbers

Apologies. It's just i get a bit frustrated from time to time with the continual and unnecessary (as i see it) habit of referring to people or groups without mentioning their name/names, and i don't think the reasoning of "we all know who i'm talking about, so i needn't mention it", covers it. It seems to be a common habit when discussing Thai politics in particular, and i think it comes from the whole LM business, whereby people get into a certain habit of not mentioning names. This habit is allowed to extend into areas it needn't, and my own feeling about the reasoning for this, is basically laziness. Easier to speak in general non-specific terms and less easy to get tied down on a point, when you remain slightly vague and ambiguous.

Rixalex............. you are sitting on the fence like a natural born politician!

Edited September 2, 2011 by kraplung

[rixalex]

Apologies. It's just i get a bit frustrated from time to time with the continual and unnecessary (as i see it) habit of referring to people or groups without mentioning their name/names, and i don't think the reasoning of "we all know who i'm talking about, so i needn't mention it", covers it. It seems to be a common habit when discussing Thai politics in particular, and i think it comes from the whole LM business, whereby people get into a certain habit of not mentioning names. This habit is allowed to extend into areas it needn't, and my own feeling about the reasoning for this, is basically laziness. Easier to speak in general non-specific terms and less easy to get tied down on a point, when you remain slightly vague and ambiguous.

Rixalex............. you are sitting on the fence like a natural born politician!

The crux of my point was against the effectual fence sitting involved with not naming names. Perhaps you missed it.

[cup-O-coffee]

Well! We all know it's corrupt. We even discuss it openly.

The funny thing is when I read in English translation these people, they seem to come across as honorable and trustworthy people who argue otherwise. They argue that they seem to have some "right" to this post, and that to remove them for any reason is unfair and not nice.

I wonder; in their inner circles and deep deep down in their hearts, don't they understand that any post they take up is not a post that they can claim as rightfully theirs? Don't they understand that this is all a big game, and that for the time they have in their post, they should enjoy it and be happy, and when it comes to an end, they should gracefully step down and move on to the next peg in the game board? I am sure the income is the same, or better. And even a lower income would surely not compromise their monthly payments?

Even the "red eyelids" and posturing and gesturing seems to me to be a part of the game; an act to make a point.

Really, does anyone on this thread have anything that is remotely akin to sympathy for these people who are tapped to move into another position?

Every post in the Royal Thai Police is such a position that when one accepts it, they are accepting a position that is a double edged sword. The irony can be cut with a knife. The job they are placed in is a job that does not allow for them to push too hard, or slacken up too much. They have to hoe the row just enough to not upset people on either side of them. If they go too far towards either, they are not a game player, and the same ones who publicly tap them to move into another position, will clandestinely set them up to be an example, and things will go much worse for them.

It's a freaking game, and it should be understood that they are all pawns. Just enjoy the ride and don't point fingers or name names. Life could be worse.

As is quoted from Starship Troopers, "You're It Until You're Dead Or I Find Someone Better." Play the game, or shut up and get out.

Edited September 2, 2011 by cup-O-coffee

[LomSak27]

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".

Ohh if it hasn't happend by now, Wichean doesn't need to worry

[JetsetBkk]

Apologies. It's just i get a bit frustrated from time to time with the continual and unnecessary (as i see it) habit of referring to people or groups without mentioning their name/names, and i don't think the reasoning of "we all know who i'm talking about, so i needn't mention it", covers it. It seems to be a common habit when discussing Thai politics in particular, and i think it comes from the whole LM business, whereby people get into a certain habit of not mentioning names. This habit is allowed to extend into areas it needn't, and my own feeling about the reasoning for this, is basically laziness. Easier to speak in general non-specific terms and less easy to get tied down on a point, when you remain slightly vague and ambiguous.

+1

There is a Thai saying about the people in power... " Those that know do not speak, those that speak do not know."

+2

[brianb1944]

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.

No! I am shocked and amazed

[brianb1944]

Apologies. It's just i get a bit frustrated from time to time with the continual and unnecessary (as i see it) habit of referring to people or groups without mentioning their name/names, and i don't think the reasoning of "we all know who i'm talking about, so i needn't mention it", covers it. It seems to be a common habit when discussing Thai politics in particular, and i think it comes from the whole LM business, whereby people get into a certain habit of not mentioning names. This habit is allowed to extend into areas it needn't, and my own feeling about the reasoning for this, is basically laziness. Easier to speak in general non-specific terms and less easy to get tied down on a point, when you remain slightly vague and ambiguous.

Rixalex............. you are sitting on the fence like a natural born politician!

The crux of my point was against the effectual fence sitting involved with not naming names. Perhaps you missed it.

As outsiders, we are necessarily fence sitters, with no rights or obligations to state a position. We are resigned to having meaningless opinions on a situation over which we have no control. Its a form of recreation really. Called by some, "Venting ones spleen".

[NanLaew]

If a politician does something bad you should criticise them, not apologise for it.

Have you worked in Thailand with Thais?

No Thai ever does a bad job in the workplace. Fellow Thais cover for him/her, make excuses for him/her. They sort of band together to make sure that the weakest, most useless individuals always get a second chance. Or a third.

A bit like Thai politics really. It's not about doing a good job. It's about income.

Edited September 3, 2011 by NanLaew