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| PM: Police Chief Punishable Despite Resignation |
| UPDATE : 10 September 2009 |
The prime minister has not yet received the resignation letter from the national police chief. The PM has also confirmed that despite his approval of the resignation, the police chief can still be punished retroactively once he receives an official report on the anti-graft panel's ruling against the officer.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that he has not yet received the resignation letter from national police chief Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan. The PM added that as long as he, as the police chief's direct superior, does not give an approval, the resignation is not effective.
Abhisit stated that before approving the resignation, he will have to find out whether Police General Patcharawat has any pending disciplinary charges in line with the state procedures.
He reaffirmed that despite his approval of the national police chief's resignation, Police General Patcharawat can still be punished retroactively for his responsibility for ordering police forces to disperse the rally by the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, on October 7 last year, during which many yellow-shirt supporters were killed and injured.
The prime minister also expressed confidence that there will be no conflict with Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, the elder brother of Police General Patcharawat. The PM reiterated that he talked with General Prawit before issuing an order to transfer his brother to an inactive post at the PM's Office.
Abhisit also commented that deputy national police chief Police General Thani Sombunsup is suitable as caretaker national police chief. The prime minister went on to say that Police General Thani will be able to vote for the new police chief in the upcoming Police Policy Commission's meeting as he has no benefit from the selection.
The PM pointed out that he has not set an exact date for the meeting among members of the Police Policy Commission to select the new police chief.
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