Somyot hands over reins to Jakthip, may launch businesses
OUTGOING NATIONAL police chief Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang yesterday revealed a plan to do business in his post-retirement life while ruling out a political career for now. He and his successor, Pol General Jakthip Chaijinda, yesterday performed a wor
Somyot said he never felt regret for the work he had done while being at the helm of the police force because he had done his best and had got good cooperation from subordinates. Some tasks would need to be continued by his successors, including procuring modern equipment, he added.
“After this day I will be a civilian. I might start businesses or invest with my friends, such as in land development, real estate, restaurants, as well as other activities that make life worthwhile,” he said.
Somyot said a planned sports-complex project could see its opinion-gathering website launched today if deemed appropriate. He denied this complex could lead him into politics.
“I cannot give you an answer whether I’ll join politics, as it’s too soon to tell. If everything is in place and it would benefit the country, I might join politics,” he said.
Somyot served 42 years in the force, starting as a senior reserved position at the Royal Police Cadet Academy in 1974 and was promoted to major-general in 1978.
Somyot said he had worked with Jakthip for a long time, so he was sure about his successor’s performance and believed he would bring something good to the force.
Jakthip said he would continue Somyot’s work such as a project to build a hospital in the deep South and police firearms procurement. He promised to lead the force and serve the public with integrity and garner public support and acceptance.
Meanwhile, outgoing Army commander General Udomdej Sitabutr yesterday welcomed his successor General Teerachai Nakwanich at the Commander Royal Thai Army Office at Bangkok’s Rajdamnoen Avenue.
Teerachai said it was the greatest honour in life to be promoted to this position, while Udomdej said he believed in the new commander’s potential, which had been shown through his dedication and sacrifice in work.
The two commanders also had a march of honour by three battalions (the 1st Division King’s Guard, the 2nd Cavalry Division King’s Guard, and the Army Air Defence Command) while officers also sang for them the song titled “Good People Never Die” afterwards.
