Thread: Staunch Junta Supporter Appointed Chief of Thai Police

BANGKOK — A police officer known for his strong support of Thailand’s military junta was appointed chief of the Royal Thai Police this morning.

Pol.Gen. Somyot Phumphanmuang, who has been serving as the deputy chief of the Thai police, was voted into the top job by a selection committee at the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok.

The selection committee was composed of a number of high-ranking officials and chaired by the leader of the junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Another deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol.Gen. Ake Angsananont, was also vying for the position. While Pol.Gen. Ake was favored by some officials for his record of being tough-on-crime, Pol.Gen. Somyot was well-regarded for his work on cases that involve national security and the monarchy, a source at the meeting said.

Pol.Gen. Somyot also maintained a "close relationship" with Gen. Preecha Chan-ocha, commander of 3 Region Army and the brother of the NCPO's chairman, the source claimed.

Staunch Junta Supporter Appointed Chief of Thai Police

So much for merit and actual administrative skills.
Support for the overthrow of the civilian government is the determining factor.
Nice.

Originally Posted by zygote1

So much for merit and actual administrative skills.
Support for the overthrow of the civilian government is the determining factor.
Nice.

Not exactly a new page in anyones play book though is it?

I'll expand on this. It is very, very Thai, institutionally ingrained. Even at my work, when the top man goes - the whole administrative team changes, and this occurs at every sub level down the chain.

Thaksin and his ilk did exactly the same with the police promotions, Yingluck messed with the civil service appointments IIRC. If memory serves, the first coup was triggered (in part) by Thaskin messing with the army appointments to see that his cronies and relatives were jumped in the order.

Lots of problems arise from this system. They need to find a way to isolate the promotions system from government influence - difficult, and does not apply in a coup situation of course.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

his cronies and relatives were jumped in the order.

On merit mate.....on merit....

Why, what an utmost surprise. Apparently, hiring a 'friendly' official to a senior position is only a criminal offence under a Thaksin administration.

Originally Posted by sabang

Why, what an utmost surprise. Apparently, hiring a 'friendly' official to a senior position is only a criminal offence under a Thaksin administration.

Do as I say, not as I do category.

A sensible choice . The only choice really .
A Red or Yellow supporter couldnt have been chosen, so alls thats left is to choose from NCPO supporters