RTP commissioner-general questioned in promotion case
Royal Thai Police (RTP) commissioner-general Chakthip Chaijinda was questioned again after Phairat Phaiphannarat, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, recently filed a complaint against him for allegedly “refraining from doing his duty” over “unfair promotions”.
The complaint was filed with the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The Royal Thai Police has been asked to submit documents within 30 days to clarify the issue.
According to the annual police promotion report in 2019, Phairat claimed there were cases of unfair promotion, with seniority being ignored. One of the names of officers being promoted include Chanon Chaijinda, the oldest son of the commissioner-general.
His son’s promotion was submitted “directly” to the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Phairat alleged.
On April 30, 2019, the cabinet received the list for approval of four “exceptional promotions” – Tawichat Palasuk, promoted to special adviser in the RTP (he has been working as assistant commissioner for less than a year, Phairat claimed); Nares Nuntachote, promoted to special adviser (he is less than 59 years old, with more than six months in active duty, according to Phairat); Promthorn Pak-an, promoted to special adviser (he too is younger than 59 years, with more than six months in active duty, Phairat claimed); and Chanon Chaijinda, promoted to company commander in The Border Patrol Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit (he has been working as a sub-inspector for less than the recommended seven years, Phairat alleged).
Chanon has been a sub-inspector for three years, Phairat claimed. He graduated from Thammasat University with a bachelor’s degree and from Bournemouth University with a master’s degree