Police chief's position not intended to be relocated by Phumtham, claims spokesperson
In a recent development, four senior Thai police officers, including Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, have submitted formal complaints about the promotions and reshuffle process at a Police Commission meeting. The officers are concerned about capable candidates being overlooked for promotion, citing Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, Pol Maj Gens Tinkorn Rangmat, and Wiwat Kamchamnan as examples.
The concerns revolve around promotions being based on merit rather than politics or personal influence. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat stated that the petition was not an act of insubordination but a call for fairness. He emphasised that promotions should be based on merit, not politics or personal influence.
After around 40 minutes of discussion, the meeting was adjourned until Saturday by Mr Phumtham, the acting Prime Minister and chairman of the Police Commission. Mr Phumtham insists he has neither the authority nor the intention to remove National Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch from his position. He clarifies that any transfer must follow legal procedures and be justified.
Rumours of a potential transfer of National Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch to the Prime Minister's Office have been circulating, but Phumtham Wechayachai has denied these plans. The denial comes amid controversy over a major gambling den raid in Don Muang district. The allegedly unfair police reshuffle is another point of contention in the rumours.
Phumtham Wechayachai emphasises that his relationship with the police chief remains cordial. He states that complaints about the reshuffle simply request a review of the process, which is still ongoing. The final decision on any police reshuffle rests with the Police Commission, according to Phumtham Wechayachai.
One key grievance was that Pol Maj Gen Noppasin had not been nominated as deputy police chief despite his qualifications. The officers argued that capable candidates were being overlooked for promotion.
Phumtham Wechayachai has urged the media to carefully verify their sources in future. At present, there is no available information about the four highest-ranking police officers who filed complaints regarding the police reshuffling dispute.
The adjournment of the meeting until Saturday stresses that the process, including the rescheduling, should not cause concern. Phumtham Wechayachai insists that he is committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in the police promotions and reshuffle process.
