Top Thai cop call likely to spur interference

Kitrat: Links to former chief Suwat
Kitrat: Links to previous captain Suwat

According to a police source, citing new speculation, the visit of a new police chief and the yearly overhaul could see the most democratic interference in a decade this year.

According to reports, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has appointed Phumtham Wechayachai as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister to lead the Police Commission.

One of Mr. Phumtham’s second priorities will likely be choosing a fresh police chief in place of Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, who will retire at the end of this month.

But, the process of appointing a new commander may only start after Oct 3, when the Police Commission’s new regulations take effect.

A custodian police captain will be appointed in the interim, with deputy police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet reportedly expected to take over the position during the move.

The source claimed that the selection process for this year’s police chief will test the strength of those involved in the hiring process because the chair of the Police Commission has nominated three candidates for the best position.

They are Pol Gen Kitrat, deputy police captain Pol Gen Thana Choowong and authorities inspector-general Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong. Pol Gen Kitrat has the best possibility of assuming the role among the three.

Nevertheless, the source said the visit may be delayed if negotiations never be resolved.

There are rumors that this year’s visit will feature the most democratic interference in a long time. There are obvious indications that some officials have tried to negotiate for the force’s deputy prime minister position, the source said.

Pol Gen Kitrat, a graduate of Class 25 of the Armed Forces Preparatory School and Class 41 of the Police Academy, served as a deputy examiner at Muang Rayong place immediately after graduating.

He started out at the Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) and the Metropolitan Police Bureau ( MPB) as he advanced through the ranks. He is also a close friend of former police captain Pol Gen Suwat Jaengyodsuk.

Under the direction of the current authorities chief, Pol Gen Kitrat was given the responsibility of crime prevention and suppression, a position that was widely regarded for his administration abilities.

According to the cause, there are several important appointments to get made in this year police’s reshuffle due to future retirements.

Pol Lt Gen Jirasan Kaewsaengake, director of the Provincial Police Region 1, Pol Lt Gen Thakoon Natsri, director of the Provincial Police Region 3, Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai, director of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Yongkiat Monpraneet, director of the Border Patrol Police, Pol Lt Gen Nitinan Phetborom and Pol Lt Gen Sunthorn Chalermkiat, both authorities inspector-generals, are all set to leave.

Also, the MPB and the Immigration Bureau will need to be filled because Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang, the current director of the MPB, and IB Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Itthipol Itthisarnronchai are tipped to get promoted to associate police chief.

According to the source, political interests may also be strongly influencing the municipal police chiefs and the municipal police chiefs.

The government gave the RTP a chance to reshuffle its employees in recent years following the coup, and social inference was kept to a minimum, according to the cause.

Political intervention is anticipated to enjoy a major role in the country’s transition to full political leadership, with continuing conflict in the army and the transfer of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr. Thaksin, a school 26 police officer and alleged de facto leader of the decision Pheu Thai Party, is also thought to have some control.

Despite political doubt, key jobs within the RTP have changed, especially at the director and captain levels.

According to the current rules, appointments are based on the candidates ‘ experience and seniority on an equal basis. However, it remains to be seen how much political interference can have on them.

However, some agencies might be able to withstand political interference, such as the Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) under the leadership of Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, who is said to be conducting a rigorous screening process.

However, a recent survey of police global revealed that they were looking for a leader who cares about the welfare of the force and works to rekindle trust in society.

The study, conducted by Super Poll from Sept 1-7, surveyed 466 authorities in every industry globally. The interviewees had the option to pick between different choices.

About 70 % of respondents said they wanted a force leader who could bring unity to the group. Another major certification included cooperation, clear guidance, the ability to listen, and asking the right questions.

77 % of the respondents to a question about the authorities leader’s first jobs said improving welfare benefits were their top top priorities as their new manager.

Thana: ' Comprehensive screening procedure '

Thana: ‘ Comprehensive screening procedure ‘

Kraiboon: Recent inspector-general

Kraiboon: Recent inspector-general