No decision on acting national police chief

BANGKOK,  Aug 3 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said there has been no decision made about who will be assigned as Acting National Police Chief when Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan leaves on a mission in China.

Mr Suthep told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Monday afternoon for about 45 minutes that there was no discussion about naming the acting top police official as the incumbent has not yet submitted a leave of absence letter.

He said once Gen Patcharawat submits the letter, then discussion would be made about his temporary stand-in.

Mr Abhisit last week met Gen Patcharawat and later said that the nation’s top cop would take 10-days leave for a mission in China – an absence which would smoothen the police investigation of the attempted killing of Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul on April 17. He is expected to leave for China this week.

Investigators earlier complained that the investigation of the case had run into difficulties as information had been leaked by unnamed police officers.

Meanwhile, Gen Patcharawat on Monday affirmed he was not disheartened, but said his has no plan to resign and intends to work until his September retirement.

Gen Patcharawat is scheduled to leave his post October 1 due to the policy of compulsory retirement at age 60.

The top police officer also reaffirmed that he had no conflict with the prime minister, saying that his relationship with Mr. Abhisit remains strong. (TNA)