Thawil to appeal against transfer
Outgoing National Security Council chief Thawil Pliansri vowed Wednesday to file an appeal against what he considered his 'unfair' transfer with the Merit System Protection Commission.
Thawil accused Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung of overextending his powers in removing him as the NSC secretary-general.
The Cabinet on Tuesday announced that Thawil would be transferred from his post as NSC secretary-general and appointed as an adviser to the PM's Office. Thawil, whose transfer is awaiting royal endorsement, will be replaced by National Police chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree.
Thawil said he was sorry that Chalerm had sought to use the position of NSC chief as a tool to solve a political problem.
Wichean agreed to leave the post of top cop to become the new NSC chief.
"I am sorry that the position of NSC secretary-general was used to solve a political problem and a certain politician has overextended his power," Thawil said, apparently referring to Chalerm.
Thawil said he was sorry that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra took no action to defend him.
"It is a pity that the government exploits the post of NSC secretary general for its own political purpose instead of serving national security," Thawil said. "I have been working in the NSC for 30 years with integrity, until I took the helm of the agency. The transfer has nothing to do with my ability or lack thereof. The fact that the prime minister, as my immediate superior, failed to protect me really upsets me."
He said he has performed his duty straightforwardly and has never served any political party.
He said his transfer was not caused by any mistakes in his responsibilities.
"Therefore, I will use the channel of the Merit System Protection Commission law to demand justice from the prime minister, who was my direct superior, as soon as possible," Thawil said.
"There is a law of karma. Anyone who has persecuted me will face the law of karma."
Chalerm, in the meantime, commented that it was Thawil's right to take legal action against the transfer.
"Once a political change occurs, it must be a change," he said.
Thawil's transfer was part of Tuesday's major reshuffle of senior government officials in key ministries, with many seen as loyal to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra being promoted to key posts.
