PM admits inviting Pol-Gen Thanee to assist with national security

BANGKOK, 1 November 2009 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva admits he has invited former acting national police chief, Police General Thanee Somboonsup, to support the national security matters.

Prime Minister Abhisit stated that Police General Thanee was capable and would become a good advisor of the government in security affairs. However, the confirmation from the former acting police commissioner-general has not been made yet.

The prime minister said he had not yet decided which position Pol-Gen Thanee would hold but expected the matter to be concluded within one week after his actual discussion with Police General Thanee.

Prime Minister Abhisit added that the Police Board would hold a meeting on Monday in order to discuss transfers of high-ranking officers. He emphasized that appointments would be based on efficiency rather than connections ones have with influential persons.

As for the meeting of the Royal Thai Police Policy committee to select the new national police chief, the prime minister admitted the date had not been scheduled yet, but the conference would be called immediately when everything was ready.

The new national police chief thus far has not yet been appointed after the retirement of embattled Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan at the end of September 2009.