Somyot keen to complete Thaksin rank revocation during his term in office

“I’d like the revocation process to be finished during the time I’m in the post to do away with all rumours that [I] tried to stall for time or [I tried to] pass on this dossier to the next chief of police. It’s like I don’t dare to take the responsibility, or make a decision,” he said.

Somyot said the Royal Thai Police had always taken action on this matter. However, what prevented the process from going forward was the time requireded for consultation, he said. 

Pol Lt-General Sorakrai Pulperm, commander of the Personnel Division of Police, joined a meeting with the Office of the Official Information Commission (OIC) yesterday, Somyot noted. 

He said Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya will submit a report on the meeting between the Royal Thai Police, the Justice Ministry and the OIC to the PM. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the revocation of rank and the process of taking back Thaksin’s royal decorations were legal. 

“Once again, I’d like to confirm that everything conforms to the law. This is not anybody’s idea, nor does it stem from someone’s demand in particular. There are clear guidelines for the process of rank revocation and taking royal decorations back. They are applied to every case, every wrongdoer, it does not necessarily have to be the case of [former PM] Thaksin. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha wanted to ensure the process was in line with the justice system with no interference and influence [from outside],” he said.

Sansern said Prayut had also called for the media to remain impartial and help society understand the legal process. “The premier did not want anyone to think that this is part of someone’s order,” he said. “This could lead to confusion and may affect trust in the judicial process. It is crucial to think about the side-effects, even when the person has no ill intentions.