No House dissolution despite row over police chief race

BANGKOK, 22 August 2009 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assured his fellow Democrats yesterday that there would be no House dissolution while expecting that the new police chief appointment would be concluded within these 2 to 3 days or before October this year.

The Prime Minister said to the Democrat MPs giving moral support to him yesterday that he would not dissolve the parliament although his nomination of a new Police Commissioner-General was rejected by the Police Commission on 20 August. The PM also dismissed the rumors of his conflict with Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban and coalition party Bhumjaithai core-figure Newin Chidchob who reportedly disagreed with the PM’s nomination.

A Police Commission on 20 August failed to appoint a new police chief as 4 from 5 of its members disapproved Mr Abhisit’s nomination–Police General Pratheep Tunprasert.

After a meeting with Democrat Chief Adviser Chuan Leekpai and Democrat Deputy Chief Advisor Banyat Bantadtan, the PM pledged to continue exercising his legitimate power in nominating a person he thought appropriate for the police top post.