Naming new national police chief stalled: Suthep
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The government's push to name General Prewpan Damapong as the national police chief has stalled, Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday.
“The government is encountering a stumbling block in the Prewpan’s appointment,” he said.
Suthep said the government might succeed in the end but not before overcoming some difficult issues.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung has been pushing to promote Prewpan, brother of Khuying Pojaman na Pombejra, the ex-wife of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Prewpan is slated to replace incumbent chief General Wichean Potephosree.
Following Chalerm’s pledge to push for Wichean to become secretary general of the National Security Council in exchange for vacanting office, the incombent chief has taken a leave of absence, paving way for Prewpan to be the acting police chief.
Earlier this month, the government approved the transfer of incumbent NSC secretary general Tawin Pleansri to become an adviser to the prime minister.
Responding to what he sees as his unjust reassignment, Tawin has appealed to the Merit System Protection Commission for a review and asked for reinstatement.
The commission is expected to complete its review in 150 days. Meanwhile the Prewpan’s appointment is being suspended because the government is obligated to await the review outcome.
Should Tawin be reinstated, the government would have to find a new job for Wichean in order to promote Prewpan.
