Administrative Court president dismissed for malfeasance

The commission made the decision by a majority vote on Wednesday.

In a press release, the commission admitted there was no damning evidence to prove Hassavut had assigned Derekrid Janekrongtham, secretary-general of the Office of the Administrative Courts, to write two informal letters to the national police chief and one of his deputies in 2013 and 2014 seeking the promotion. 

In the letters, Hassavut allegedly asked for Lt-Colonel Choothares Yingyongsakul, a deputy superintendent at Bangkok’s Hua Mark Police Station, to be promoted to its superintendent as a favour.

The police officer is reportedly a close friend of Hassavut’s nephew.

However, the commission found there was sufficient proof that Hassavut abetted Derekrid’s action, the court said in the press release.

The judicial commission found that Hassavut had committed a code of conduct violation and failed to protect the dignity of his position.

Citing the authority afforded it under the Act of Administrative Court’s Establishment and Administrative Case Procedures, as well as other relevant regulations, the commission resolved to dismiss Hassavut with immediate effect.

The controversy has been widely reported in the media. 

In March, Hassavut was suspended by the Administrative Court’s tribunal. 

Earlier this month, he was critical of the delays in the inquiry and accused the investigation committee of dragging its feet to stall the case.

But the court said Hassavut was being treated fairly and the case was being dealt with transparently.