View Full Version : Samak Gov:Tribal Politics
Truth be known, the DSI has an appalling record of inaction on a number of very high-profile cases:
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255101280034
In spite the endless list of DSI inaction, I think we can safely assume that such complaints have no real part in this transfer. The report below hints at the real reasons. As for the thought that Sunai will now do something useful on the corruption front, it is well worth remembering that no one of any great significance has ever been convicted of corruption here - despite the fact that it is rampant in the very highest circles. Sunai has been moved to an inactive post to all intents & purposes.
To quote the article, "It is a new agency set up to focus on corruption involving junior government officials - only up to civil service Level 8". The sort of job that an accountant with attitude could do, really!
Sudden transfer
The director of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), was ordered to clean out his office late Friday afternoon and take an immediate transfer.
The media noted that Sunai Manomai-udom, head of DSI since the Sept 19, 2006 military coup, had handled several significant cases involving ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his family following the 2006 military coup.
He will be moved to become head of the Office for the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption by Government Officials. It is a new agency set up to focus on corruption involving junior government officials - only up to civil service Level 8.
The post-election musical chairs will bring Pol Col Thawee Sodsong, now deputy secretary-general of Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), back to the DSI as acting director-general.
Pol Col Thawee was deputy chief of DSI at the time of the coup, but was moved out by the military-appointed government under Gen Surayud Chulanont.
Mr Sunai told journalists that he received a telephone call from Charan Pakdithanakul, Permanent Secretary for Justice, on Friday evening.
The permanent secretary informed him that he would be transferred to the new agency effective Monday morning.
Mr Sunai was appointed as director-general of the DSI, often called "the FBI of Thailand," in November of 2006, about two months after the military coup. (BangkokPost.com, TNA)
In spite the endless list of DSI inaction, I think we can safely assume that such complaints have no real part in this transfer. The report below hints at the real reasons. As for the thought that Sunai will now do something useful on the corruption front, it is well worth remembering that no one of any great significance has ever been convicted of corruption here - despite the fact that it is rampant in the very highest circles. Sunai has been moved to an inactive post to all intents & purposes.
To quote the article, "It is a new agency set up to focus on corruption involving junior government officials - only up to civil service Level 8". The sort of job that an accountant with attitude could do, really!
The likely successor makes it very plain that Thaksin, Samak and their cronies haven't for one minute loosened their intention to gain control of everything that moves. The fact that they are trying yet again to wrest control of these things from an equally dictatorial and megalomaniac faction is of absolutely no comfort at all. It is clear that the bad old ways of Thai politics have returned (Did they ever go away?) with a vengeance. There is no indication that this government will reform anything that will give even slightly more power to ordinary citizens. Indeed, it seems that political concessions will only be made to the general public as and when this government sees the result as profitable to its own.
Ex-DSI chief to clear his office on Monday
(BangkokPost.com) - Sunai Manomai-udom, who was abruptly transferred from the head of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to a new agency under the Justice Ministry on Friday, will go into his office to remove his personal belongings on Monday.
DSI Spokesman Piyawat Kingket said he heard about the transfer on Friday evening but could not contact Mr Sunai ever since.
His position is to be taken by a close aide of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Pol Col Tawee Sodsong.
The DSI is currently responsible for several corruption and scandal cases, including charges against Mr Thaksin, his wife Khunying Potjaman, and two other members of her Damapong family over the alleged concealment of their shareholdings in SC Asset Corp.
Mr Sunai is to be acting secretary-general of the new Office for the Protection and Suppression of Corruption in State Sector, investigating junior civil servants for possible graft.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126095
Angkana says ex-DSI chief is threatened to life
(BangkokPost.com) - Sunai Manomai-udom was threatened to life before he was transferred from Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief on Friday, Angkana Neelapaijit, wife of missing lawyer Somchai, said Saturday.
Mrs Angkana said she met Mr Sunai on Friday, before the transfer, and he told her about the threats.
DSI is currently investigating the case of her husband, who went missing during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.
She said Mr Sunai told her he was ready to work under the Samak Sundaravej administration.
She said her hope that the DSI will re-investigate Somchai's case disappeared after she learned about the abrupt transfer of Mr Sunai.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126102
PM Samak doesn't know about Thaksin's return. :rolleyes: The first part of this report suggests that he might know only too well about it. By saying that he will clarify the reason behind the transfer of the DSI Chief, he is scheduling it for a day when it may be completely overshadowed by either Thaksin's return or an announcement of that return:
24 February 2008
PM to explain the transfer of DSI chief
At the Prime Minister’s weekly television program on Thailand Channel 11 today (February 24th), the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej (สมัคร สุนทรเวช), says he will clarify the reason behind the transfer of the Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) this Tuesday (February 26th).
Concerning the news that the deposed Prime Minister, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, may return to Thailand soon, Mr. Samak says he has not been informed of such news, adding that he has yet to contact the ousted premier.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter03
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255102240006
Thaksin says he will tell us about his return on Tuesday:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=3165
Sompong denies avenging DSI chief
(BangkokPost.com) – Justice minister Sompong Amornwiwat has given a press conference at Government House about the transfer of the Department of Special Investigation’s director-general Sunai Manomai-udom.
“The transfer was not a way to avenge for Mr Thaksin Shinawatra or to help him with corruption charges he face,” he insisted.
Following an investigation, the DSI had concluded that Mr Thaksin and his family members should all be prosecuted on charges of assets concealment involving SC Asset Corp.
The DSI is also investigating the 772 million baht Ratchadaphisek land scandal involving Mr Thaksin and his wife, Mrs Potjaman.
Over at the DSI headquarters, reporters have flocked to catch a final glimpse of Mr Sunai. He’s expected to collect the rest of his belongings from his office this morning.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126129
PRD director general transferred
Public Relations Department's chief Pramote Rathavinit was transferred to an inactive post in the PM's Office Ministry, PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair said Thursday.
Jakrapob announced the transfer just hours after ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home from self-exile.
Jakrapob said Pramote will oversee in the formation of Asian TV.
It was widely known that the department did not take side with Thaksin when he was ousted in a coup two years ago.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30066767
This should actually have been posted yesterday. See also today's previous post for yet another seeming example of revenge by this apparently vindictive government:
Lead CL official moved
(BangkokPost.com)
Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab said on Tuesday he has removed the official charged with negotiating with major international drug firms on compulsory licensing.
Siriwat Thiptharadon, head of the Food and Drug Administration and an architect of the military government's compulsory licence (CL) policy, was moved to an inactive post.
"It's not about the CL issue, it's about appropriateness," said Mr Chaiya after the weekly cabinet meeting. He refused to elaborate.
Chatree Banchuen, a senior Health Ministry official, was appointed head of the FDA and lead negotiator on drug prices.
Mr Chaiya has openly questioned the legality of the moves to override international patents on cancer drugs and said the government could afford their $24-$27 million annual cost.
Drug firms and their allies have strongly criticised Thailand over the CL issue, accusing the country of stealing intellectual property. The United States cited the drug patents in putting Thailand on its "priority watch list" last year.
Late last year, former health minister Mongkol na Songkhla overrode patents on two HIV-Aids drugs, a heart medicine and four cancer drugs, arguing that they were too expensive for a national health plan covering about 80 per cent of Thailand's 63 million people. Mr Chaiya has questioned only the cancer-drug CL process.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=126172
Siriwat not sacked from negotiating on drugs: Chaiya
Published on February 29, 2008
Former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief Dr Siriwat Thiptharadol will not be removed as chairperson of the negotiation committee for compulsory licensing of patented drugs, Public Health Minister, Chaiya Sasomsab said yesterday.
" I did not say that I would withdraw the compulsory licensing for cancer drugs. I told Dr Siriwat he has to continue his mission as chief of the committee to negotiate with the drug firms for price reductions," he said.
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved Chaiya's transfer of Siriwat. The former FDA boss is now an inspector general with the health ministry, an inactive posting.
Chaiya said the reason Siriwat was transferred was his failure to respond to a verbal request to check contamination of energy drinks and imported pig intestines.
"Siriwat still is a key man to negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies to reduce the price of drugs, particularly those that will have compulsory licensing imposed on them, even if he has been moved to the position of inspector general," he said.
Siriwat worked on the previous government's policy of imposing compulsory licensing on expensive HIV/Aids, cancer and heart treatments.
The policy allowed poor patients access to essential drugs at much cheaper prices.
But, according to the ministerial protocol, the chairperson of the negotiation committee for price reduction of patented drugs must be the Food and Drug Administration's general-secretary.
Chaiya said he would revise the ministerial protocol and issue the new official order for Siriwat to continue his position as a chairperson of this committee.
He did not oppose Siriwat's appeal for his unfair transfer to the Civil Service Commission and the Administrative Court because Siriwat has the right to do so.
Siriwat said he still has not received the official letter from the Health Minister assigning him to continue his mission as the chairperson of the negotiation committee.
However, two other senior health officials, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) chairman Vichai Chokewiwat and director Dr Withit Atthachekul, are expected to be transferred.
Chaiya said he would not remove Withit as the GPO director but that Vichai might be replaced as the agency's board chairman, saying it was a tradition for GPO board members to resign when a new health minister assumed office.
Meanwhile, Vichai said he would not resign from his position because the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation Act states that the term of GPO board members, including the chairperson, is for five years.
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/29/national/national_30066811.php
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126102
Amnesty International Issues Urgent Appeal to Protect Angkhana Neelaphaijit
Prachatai
28 February 2008
News
On 27 February, Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action message to its worldwide network of activists, asking for appeals to be sent to the Thai authorities over threats to human rights defender Angkhana Neelaphaijit.
Khun Angkhana is the wife of disappeared lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit who was last seen on 12 March 2004. She has since become a leading advocate of human rights in Thailand, especially with respect to violations of human rights by the Thai authorities in the south of the country.
5 policemen were charged in connection with Somchai's disappearance in a case where Khun Angkhana personally conducted part of the court hearings. Only one police officer was found guilty in that case and continuing investigations have been marked by official delays and obstructions.
Khun Angkhana is protected under the Witness Protection Act, which stipulates that when police are involved in a case, as here, protection must be provided by civilian officers. So far, Khun Angkhana has been protected by Ministry of Justice officials under the Department of Special Investigations (DSI).
However, the newly elected government of Samak Sundaravej has appointed as Minister of Justice Sompong Amornwiwat, elder brother of a former DSI Director-General Police General Sombat Amornwiwat, who was removed following an almost complete lack of progress in investigating the disappearance of Somchai and other high profile cases involving the killings of human rights defenders.
2 days ago, Minister Sompong ordered the abrupt dismissal of DSI D-G Sunai Manomaiudom, a civilian who had replaced Pol Gen Sombat, and brought in Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong, formerly Deputy D-G of the DSI under Pol Gen Sombat. Po Col Thawee was also the commanding officer of the 5 policemen accused of complicity in the disappearance of Khun Angkhana's husband and, according to the Urgent Action appeal, is widely suspected of having given the orders for the disappearance.
The DSI has now decided, according to information obtained by Amnesty International, that only police officers will provide witness protection as of 1 March 2008.
Khun Angkhana therefore faces the prospect of being ‘protected' by the very people suspected of disappearing her husband. She has expressed fears for her safety and that of her children.
This Urgent Action from Amnesty International asks its network members all around to world to send appeals asking for Khun Angkhana to be provided with protection by officials other than police officers. AI members are asked to send their appeals to Prime Minister Samak, Minister of Justice Sompong, Royal Thai Police Chief Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej, and the incoming D-G of the DSI. AI also asks its members to send copies of their appeals to the Thai embassies in their countries.
Amnesty International issues an average of 15-20 Urgent Action appeals each week. Thailand is only occasionally the target of such appeals and recent cases have almost all concerned violations of the rights of refugees in Thailand.
http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=538
See also this thread, which includes an AHRC email appeal link to the Justice Minister:
http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=539
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30066767
PRD chief Pramote transferred
Published on February 29, 2008
The Public Relations Department (PRD) chief Pramote Rathavinit had been transferred to an inactive post in the PM's Office Ministry, PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair said yesterday.
Pramote will from today oversee the formation of the Asean Channel news exchange, an important service that will start in July, Jakrapob said. Pramote's deputy, Phachern Khampho will be the PRD acting chief, Jakrapob said, adding he had proposed the transfer order to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej himself.
"I'm not afraid of criticism to sign the [transfer] order during this time because everything has its own clear reasons," he said.
The new government has 12 PRD-related projects and he has discussed them with its executives and civil servants and the need for expert help.
Asean TV, which could take 18 months to be properly set up, was one area that needed Pramote's ability, he added.
"We need to spread able officials to work on important projects," he said.
Jakrapob said that he had discussed the idea with Pramote in principle and thought this transfer would not have a negative impact on the PRD.
Asked if the transfer was related to the fact the department did not side with Thaksin when he was ousted in a coup, Jakrapob said there were many factors leading to the decision. However, it mainly was for Pramote to take on this important task while "other factors" stemmed from a general evaluation.
Admitting that there were complaints about conflicts of interest and of authorities making demands within the department, Jakrapob said such issues were not taken into consideration for the transfer because he still regarded them as rumours.
Defending the government's transfer of three senior officials since it came to power just a few weeks ago, Jakrapob said it must place staff and budgets in different areas to ensure work proceeds quickly and he believed the civil servants who loved their country would understand.
He denied the transfers were to please Thaksin Shinawatra.
Pramote said he had only heard of his transfer over the phone from a colleague. He did not know the details about his future job and could not comment.
Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/29/headlines/headlines_30066829.php
I have been here long enough to see a whole string of inept governments, but this is undoubtedly the most vindictive new government I have seen to date. Indeed, its inception has been so spiteful, that one must at least consider the conspiracy theory that some factions of this government are deliberately engineering a violent confrontation with the likes of PAD. It seems there are those who are still working with a naive and childish notion of 'revolution' by any means. It seems also that they won't be happy until they have turned Thailand into the local version of Kenya, with different 'tribes' hacking limbs off each other with sparta knives (billhooks). (Although perhaps Zimbabwe is more apt in light of the apparent desire of each new government to monopolize the economy for personal use.)
Like many Thai policeman, Seripisut is far from perfect. However, he has at least demonstrated a willingness to tackle difficult issues that other police chiefs have just swept under the carpet.
I saw some news footage of Serpisut talking in confidence to Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung (an ex-copper with a lousy reputation) a few days back, and was forcibly struck by Seripisut's body language. It was as if Seripisut knew he only had a few days left, and that he was aware that he was talking to a person who was intent on destroying him. Indeed, when Chalerm looks like he is in a good and happy mood, it usually means that he is engaged in something underhand. This is the normal Chalerm demeanor.
Police chief Pol Gen Seripisut transferred
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej orders transfer of Police Department chief Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavej, a reliable source said Friday.
Seripisut became the fourth senior official to be transferred under Samak government.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30066830
See also today's previous post.
FOURTH VICTIM
Pol Gen Seripisut out and Patcharawat in
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has ordered the transfer of national police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej to be seconded at the Prime Minister's Office pending further instruction and named Seripisut's deputy General Patcharawat Wongsuwan as the acting police chief, Government House officials said on Friday.
The abrupt transfer happened a day following the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is reportedly pushing for the promotion of his brotherinlaw Lt General Preowpan Damapong.
Seripisut was promoted to his job following the ousting of Thaksin. Preowpan has been seconded from the police service to the Prime Minister's Office since the September 19 coup. He called on Thaksin on Thursday's evening before the transfer of Seripisut was released to the public.
Patcharawat is expected to work in the caretaker capacity as he would reach his retirement in September. Seripisut will also retire.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/29/politics/politics_30066833.php
This is one of the numerous ways in which Thai governments interfere in the police to place people in inactive posts. See also today's previous two posts:
Seripisuth transferred to PM's Office
(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday approved the transfer of National Police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej to the Prime Minister's Office shortly before his trip to Laos. The order is effective immediately.
Pol Gen Seripisuth, currently in Songkhla province, reportedly knew about the transfer already but still continued his work in the province,
His deputy Patcharawat Wongsuwan becomes acting police chief.
Rumours about the transfer of Pol Gen Seripisuth circulated since early today, but it was not until in the afternoon that Pol Gen Patcharawat said he saw the transfer order.
Mr Samak, upon leaving Thailand to Laos in the morning, denied to comment on this matter. He only asked reporters where they heard the news from.
Pol Gen Seripisuth is the fourth chief moved from posts after the Samak government took office.
Sunai Manomai-udom, head of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) was the first to be transferred, followed by the removal of Siriwat Tiptaradol as head of the Food and Drug Administration, and Pramote Ratthavinij as Public Relations Department (PRD) chief.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126227
Update: Removed police chief may sue
(BangkokPost.com) - Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej said after hearing about his lightning transfer to an inactive post that he will ask Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain the reasons behind the transfer.
Pol Gen Seripisuth, who was reportedly removed as national police chief and assigned to a post at the Prime Minister's Office on Friday morning, also told reporters he will sue Mr Samak if the transfer is done without transparency.
"I have never failed to do my job," he said, looking stressed. "I have always done my best, so I do not know why I was transferred."
He learned about the transfer from the media while he was on a working tour of Songkhla province. Pol Gen Seripisuth, who has not seen the transfer order, said he will finish his work and return to Bangkok immediately.
Mr Samak signed an order to remove him from national police chief post before he flew to Laos on Friday for an official visit.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126232
Wisarut
29-02-08, 11:03 PM
Now Mr. Kamol of Yarm Fao Phaen Din of Khon kaen has been DISAPPEARED: :eek:
http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000025342
Now Ai Maew has beocme puppet masgter ... sendign his men to eliminate ANYBODY who stand on his way
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000025461
The first case looks pretty blatantly like the Samak regime sidelining anything that doesn't serve its kleptomaniac tendency. The second case is not so clear:
Senior police officer close to Seripisut sidelined
A police major general with close ties to acting police chief Seripisut Temiyavej was Monday transferred to an insignificant post, just a week after the police general was seconded to a civilian inactive post himself.
Police Maj General Aphichart Chuethes, commander of the Metropolitan Division 6, has been ordered to "assist general duties at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, effective immediately.
In a transfer order, the main reason cited for his move was that he had neglected to tackle copyright violation and software and movie piracy in areas under his jurisdiction.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30067111
Doctor Chatree resigns after transferred to post of FDA chief
Doctor Chatree Banchuen announced his resignation from the government service Monday after he was transferred from the post of director-general of the Medical Department to the post of secretary-general and Food and Drug Administration.
He said he felt uncomfortable with his new position so he decided to resign.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30067090
See also today's previous post.
Surapong denies bank chief to get the sack
(BangkokPost.com) – There is no truth in reports that Bank of Thailand (BOT) governor Tarisa Watanagase will soon be replaced by Securities and Exchange secretary-general Theerachai Puvanartnaranubal, Deputy prime minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee insisted on Monday.
Denying reports that ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had ordered the move, Mr Surapong said Mrs Tarisa is still able to cooperate well enough with the government and, therefore does not need to be replaced by anyone.
"Rumours that Mr Thaksin had ordered that she be replaced by Mr Theerachai are untrue," he stressed.
Mr Surapong also distanced Mr Thaksin from the BoT’s decision last week to lift the 30 per cent control measure on foreign capital.
"Contrary to reports, there was no insider trading involved. Only myself and two other people from the Finance Ministry were told about this before it happened," he said.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126282
See also today's previous two posts.
Charan may be kicked upstairs
Justice Ministry permanent secretary Charan Pakdithanakul is believed to be the latest casualty in the transfer move by the Samak government.
Peerapan Prempooti, former secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Commission has been rumoured to replace Charan.
Charan said people who are in charge of running the country must make sure that they give justice to permanent officials. "Otherwise they must bear the responsibility of their decision and action,'' he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/03/politics/politics_30067093.php
The first case looks pretty blatantly like the Samak regime sidelining anything that doesn't serve its kleptomaniac tendency. The second case is not so clear:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30067111
Ex-chief's friend also transferred
Published on March 4, 2008
A police major general with close ties to acting police chief Seripisut Temiyavej was yesterday transferred to an inactive post, just a week after the police general was seconded to a inactive civilian post.
Police Maj General Aphichart Chuethes, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 6, has been ordered to "assist general duties at the Metropolitan Police Bureau," effective immediately.
The main reason cited for his transfer was because he had neglected to tackle copyright violation and software and movie piracy in areas under his jurisdiction.
A police source said Aphichart's transfer was actually prompted by his welcoming of Seripisut at an airport on Sunday on his return from an inspection trip in the deep South.
"Aphichart mobilised his men to welcome Seripisut in 'an extravagant manner', making the high command in the Royal Thai Police feel unhappy about his action," the source added.
Aphichart said later that he had no problems being transferred to a less significant post, and that he had tackled the problem of software and movie piracy extensively.
Another transfer order issued yesterday appointed Pol Maj General Watcharaphol Prasarnratchakit as the new Royal Thai Police (RTP) spokesman, replacing Pongsapat Pongcharoen, who will now function as an assistant police chief.
The order, effective immediately, also appointed Pol Maj Generals Suraphol Thuanthong and Ruengsak Jarit-ek as deputy RTP spokesmen.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/04/national/national_30067163.php
See also today's previous two posts.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/03/politics/politics_30067093.php
Thaksin ally set to replace Charan
Published on March 4, 2008
The fate of Justice Ministry permanent secretary Charan Phakdithanakul is reputedly hanging in the balance as rumours grow he will lose his post.
An informed source at the Justice Ministry yesterday claimed Pol Maj-General Peeraphan Prempooti would replace Charan.
Peeraphan is seen as close to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Following the coup against Thaksin, Peeraphan was removed as the permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister. He was seconded to the post of an inspector general.
However, the political tide has changed in the wake of the election victory of the People Power Party, the new home for members of Thaksin's dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party.
Thaksin, who had living in self-imposed exile since the coup, returned to Thailand last week.
Although Justice Minister Sombat Amornwiwat insisted he would not transfer Charan, the source said the fact that Charan was seeking to return to the law courts provided the incumbent administration with a good excuse to transfer Charan to the Office of the Prime Minister as an inspector general.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/04/politics/politics_30067157.php
The first case looks pretty blatantly like the Samak regime sidelining anything that doesn't serve its kleptomaniac tendency. The second case is not so clear:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30067090
HEALTH MINISTRY
'Hounded' Chatree to step down
Published on March 4, 2008
Official quits over references to alleged links to corruption
The head of the Public Health Ministry's Medical Services Department has resigned following his transfer to the post of secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Speaking at a press conference, Dr Chatree Banchuen said he was upset with media reports 'hounding' him over a corruption scandal over a controversial Bt900-million computer procurement case, and of his relationship with certain politicians. He said the committee had investigated him twice over the corruption case and although the Public Health Ministry's committee had proven him not guilty, he felt ashamed by the accusations.
"I feel so embarrassed I can't bear this any more. It is enough for me. Enough is enough," he said. Chatree started his career as a surgeon at Rajchavithi Hospital in 1976. He became director of Nopparattana Rajchatani Hospital in 1995, and later the director-general of the Medical Services Department in 2004.
It was during this period he was accused of corruption in a computer procurement case, which is still under investigation by the National Counter Corruption Commission.
Chatree, 58 has two years remaining in his current position as the director-general, but just one week after his appointment by Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab to the post of FDA chief, he has decided to resign from the Public Health Ministry.
His resignation will be effective on April 2. The public health minister said the resignation was due to 'health problems' and he asked Chatree not to quit, but Chatree had confirmed his decision to resign.
Chatree's appointment as head FDA has yet to receive royal endorsement.
If Chatree had accepted the appointment, he would have succeeded Siriwat Thiptharadol, who has already been moved to an inactive post.
Dissatisfied with his transfer, Siriwat earlier submitted an application to take holiday leave between March 3 and March 7.
However, as no one approved his application, Siriwat had to report to work at FDA yesterday. An informed source said without approval, Siriwat could not take the leave or else he might face a disciplinary investigation.
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/04/politics/politics_30067155.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/04/national/national_30067163.php
Pol Gen Sereepisut to hear charges Wednesday
(BangkokPost.com) – Pol Gen Sereepisut Taemeeyaves will be asked to hear disciplinary charges against him on Wednesday.
The head of a disciplinary panel investigating the actions of the Pol Gen Sereepisut, who was recently transferred from the post of National Police Chief to an inactive post at the Prime Minister’s Office, said a letter had already been sent to the Police General on Friday informing him of what to do.
Prosecutors are expected to request more information from the National Police Office and from the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday before determining the cases of alleged malpractice against Pol Gen Sereepisut.
The charges include ordering a new fleet of cars worth 5.8 billion baht, using inappropriate language with his subordinates and illegitimately transferring police officers from their posts during his time as the National Police Chief.
link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126555
Suthep demands explanation over transfer of senior police officer
Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thuagsuban Wednesday demanded an explanation from the prime minister relating to a transfer of a senior police officer and voiced suspicion about reprisal.
"As the overseer of the Royal Thai Police, Samak Sundaravej should know that many police officers in Chiang Rai were removed from their duties after solving the electoral fraud case involving House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=3061)," he said.
Maj General Chaiya Siriamphankul was a latest victim of revenge after he was seconded to fight insurgency in the Deep South from his position as deputy commissioner of Police Special Branch, he said. Chaiya was the lead investigator linking Yongyuth to vote-buying in Chiang Rai in the leadup to the December 23 election.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30068617
See also today's previous post over allegations of an improper transfer of another senior police officer.
link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126555
Seri testifies against corruption allegation
Pol General Seripisut Temiyavej on Wednesday testified before a disciplinary panel over the a corruption allegation in the Bt5.8 billion car rent project.
Seri was transferred to the PM's Office Ministry after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej ordered a disciplinary probe against him for his involvement in the corruption allegation. Seri is also accused of illegally transferring police and allegedly used abusive language with subordinates.
After testifying before Attorney General Chaikasem Nitisiri who heads the disciplinary panel, Seri said that he was innocent and expressed confidence that he could clear himself of the three charges.
He said there was not incriminating evidence in the corruption allegation in the car rent project. He insisted he transferred police in accordance with rules and regulations. Over the use of offensive language, Seri defended himself hitting back at Samak for also using inappropriate language with reporters such as "having a sinful sex". "There has been no investigation against the PM for that,'' he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/19/politics/politics_30068598.php
Wisarut
12-04-08, 01:59 PM
2 Police Generals as Twin Bodyguards for Samak - Upsetting AI maew and his croinies.
Ekkayut and the Gang - Thai Insider
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Now, Charet Thai and Ruamjaithai Chart Phatthana are about to be dissoved since EC has sent the case of Party Dissolution to Consitution Court - upsetting both Banharnd and Somsak Thepsuthin ...
However, Ai Sam and Ai maew are about to fight against one another ... Ai Maew's suibordinates are heatign 2 Police Generals who are the boldyguards of Ai Samak ...
During the day of Ai Maew - Ai Yongyut - AI newin along with Ai Ngok are 3 bodyguards of AI Maew.
These 2 Police Generals are the ones who frustrated Ai Maew and Ee Potjamarn since both of them are standing on their way to prevent the nomination of Priawphan Damaphongse as the New Police Chief.
Now, Than Rak (Jongrak Juthanone - the first police general) REFUSE to promote a polcie general from Deputy Police Chief to Police Chief.... Furthermore, he refuse to assign major jobs for Deputy Police. ...so Depuyty Police said "If you assign a big position to me, why don't you assing major jobs for me?"
Furthermore, Jongrak Juthanone REFUSE to endorse Priawephan to be the new Polcie Chief even thouhg AI Samak Kicked Seriphisut out of Police Departmnet.... Depite of the fact that Ee Potjamarn is callign Ai Samak to endorese Pirawphan to replace Seriphisut.
JongRaj Juthanone also inveolved in the BMA Firetruck scandals, BRt scandals, and 9 Billion motorcycles for Polcie dept. scandals ... so he has to do ANYthing according to his plan.... to please Ai Samak ... these scandals also burnt Khun Abhirak despite fo the fact that Samak's men (Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone and co.) are the mastermind.
Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone and co. is also the one who FORCE Khun Abhiraks to issue letters of Credit to pay for the unworkable firetrucks.
Even the capitalists who are suppprters of Democrat Party also get BURNT by Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone and co. ... due to Money Talk scheme.
Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone always askign for 10% bribe from every project that involved with Ai Samak. ... He come from Chachongsao ... before being p[rospered at Suphanburi.... He also good at Sotck market cornering as well ..
Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone is the general who knoe how to please Ai maew while frustrated Ai Maew at the same time.
For the second genral -> Mr Yom ... he got the connection from Ai Samak's wife. ... he is just the frint lione for Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone .. whick can fool around hter poole who Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanone is stabbign the back of Ai Samak's enemies.
Even though Mr. Yom is the 4th Deputy Police Chief ... he got the assignment on 12 provices instead of just 8 provinces. ... especialy taking charge on National Securty matter ... which is an envy to even Sana Khajornprasart ...
For the case of sacking Seriphisut Temiyawej ... it can be the thing whcih undo both Jongrak Juthanone and Ai Samak ...
http://thaiinsider.info/portal/content/view/7586/23/
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.