RESHUFFLE

Khamronwit set to take job as city police chief

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pol Maj General Khamronwit Thoopkrajang will be officially named today (June 8) as the new chief of Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau, in place of Pol Lt General Winai Thongsong, who has been sent to an inactive post.

Winai was reportedly punished because of his inability to contain a group of protesters campaigning last week against government efforts to pass a controversial bill aimed at pardoning former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and others involved in political strife in recent years.

A senior commander directly in charge of city police's crowd control operations, Pol Maj General Wichai Sangpraphai, head of the MPB's Division 1, was also transferred. He is likely to be succeeded by Pol Maj General Parinya Jansuriya, a close friend of Khamronwit. Parinya will be asked to focus on controlling crowds and political rallies in Bangkok.

Khamronwit had previously been a favourite to run the MPB, with the support of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and deputy national police chief General Panuphong Singhara na Ayutthaya, but Winai was seen as a more appropriate candidate due to his seniority. Winai will be sent to command Regional Police Bureau 1, if his appointment is approved at a special meeting of the Police Commission today.

Wichai will take over a deputy commander position, swapping positions with Parinya, according to police sources. National police chief General Priewpan Damapong said later today's meeting would also discuss an administrative problem in regard of seniority of Pol Maj General Sriwara Rangsiphrammanakul, a deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau.

-- The Nation 2012-06-08

It was also rumoured that he achieved the position by being the most senior police officer who could do the best Frank Spencer impersonation.

"Mmm Betty....."

Looks like the poor chap needs to go to the toilet