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Former National Security Council boss Thawil Pliensri talks about his transfer to an inactive post and his decision to take legal action against the prime minister
An almost oppressive silence hangs over the fifth floor of the Government House complex’s Command Building. This is an area that is rarely used by Government House officials let alone Cabinet members or the prime minister. Yet, the graveyard as its dubbed, is home to the offices of the six advisers to the PM.
Thawil Pliensri has been inhabiting one of the rooms along this quiet and narrow corridor since being moved from his previous position of National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general to this effectively inactive post 20 months ago.
Despite Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s explanations that he would be consulted on security affairs, Thawil says he has received no assignments from her.
“My days have very little substance but I want to work so that my life is not too useless. These days, I’m a member of House and Senate ad-hoc committees and I help with the work of King Prajadhipok's Institute,” he says.
His bare office desk provides evidence of his inactivity. There are no piles of documents and no computer, just a telephone, a simple stationary set, and a box of tissues. Thawil himself is reading a court verdict and making notes on a pad.
Even the door has no nameplate – it merely indicates that its occupant is a PM’s adviser. Nor does he have any business cards: “I have no need for them,” he says.
Thawil says he has rarely crossed Yingluck either in official meetings or at official ceremonies since becoming her adviser. Some cabinet members may feel uncomfortable with having someone who used to work with the Democrat Party attending Cabinet meetings, he says.
“I don’t want to go to state functions or ceremonies. Frankly speaking, the premier would probably prefer not to see my face,” he says.
Today that face is looking a little happier: the transferred former NSC chief won a historic legal victory last week when the Central Administrative Court ordered Yingluck to reinstate him in his previous position.
Thawil was one of the first casualties of the Yingluck government when it assumed power in August 2011. He was removed from his post apparently because the new government wanted to promote Pol General Priewphan Damapong to the position of National Police chief.
Pol General Wichean Potephosree, whom Priewphan would replace, wasn’t about to let go without a struggle. He demanded – and was given – the post of NSC chief where he stayed until last October when he was replaced by Lt-General Paradorn Pattanathabutr.
Thawil was the first state official to file a lawsuit against Yingluck. He made that decision the night the Cabinet approved his transfer on September 6 in the full knowledge that taking such an action would affect both his career and personal life.
“I had to take legal action because the premier invaded my ‘territory’ and I was obliged to defend it,” he says.
Taking that difficult decision also cured his insomnia. Thawil smiles sadly as he recalls how he spent the nights before the order came into effect pacing his living room.
“I was heavy-hearted after the transfer. I already knew that I’d be in the graveyard as a PM’s adviser post. I can’t even ask someone to buy me o-lieng (iced black coffee). The official reason given by the government was nothing but a deception,” says the 59-year old.
The official PM order stated that his transfer would improve efficiency in implementation of government policy because Thawil specialised in security issues and was thus needed as an adviser to the premier.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s older brother, initiated the six advisory positions for the PM’s Office to make it convenient to transfer people in the top positions without the need to seek approval from the Civil Service Commission.
Thawil notes that several other officials have been transferred by this government but have not yet received justice.
He mentions particularly the former secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre Phanu Uthairat, also moved to an advisory position and who was replaced by the Justice Ministry's deputy permanent secretary Thawee Sodsong.
Thawil says Phanu felt hurt but opted not to file a lawsuit, instead demoting himself to a lower rank as a deputy permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry.
“Like me, he had no assignments here,” he says.
Last week’s historic verdict has taught him that many more civil servants have suffered from unfair transfers than he was aware.
“My victory inspired them. It’s like they’ve seen a light at the end of the tunnel. But I don’t think I am a superhero. I’m just glad to have a chance to share in the suffering of my colleagues,” he says.
But Thawil also admits that his current post has reaped some benefits.
As the NSC chief, he was on call around the clock and suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Today, with more time to take care of his health and work out regularly, his blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. He has also lost eight kilograms.
“I’ve returned to good health quite by accident but I’m not happy because I feel the country has lost out. I’d prefer to be less healthy and able to work at full capacity. That will be worthwhile for the country,” he says.
A more relaxed Thawil also has more time to meditate and study dharma.
Thawil is now waiting for Yingluck’s next move. If Yingluck appeals against the court verdict he will have to take his case to the national anti-graft panel and the Office of the Ombudsman, which could lead to impeachment.
“This whole matter would have a far better ending if she doesn’t appeal and faces up to her if responsibilities,” he says.
“My mind is stable. I’ve been ready to face the future since I made the decision to file my lawsuit. Whatever will be, will be,” he says.
