IN SIGHT
Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner-General Prung Boonpadung grants a rare interview and shares some of his insights after 41 years of police work
MAXMILIAN WECHSLER
Throughout his 41-year-long career as a police officer, Police General Prung Boonpadung has kept a low profile. He preferred to avoid interviews and media exposure.
So he was surprised when he was recently approached for an interview. Even more surprised, were his staff, when he agreed to it, a one-on-one talk with Perspective at his office at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters in Bangkok.
An aide who has been with the general for some years whispered: "I can't believe my boss would grant an interview. This is the first time ever."
Gen Prung's robust and stern appearance is deceiving. He is, in fact, a polite and friendly person who talks slowly and softly, and smiles a lot.
At the outset of our meeting, the general stressed that he preferred not to discuss intelligence or operational matters, particularly regarding the situation in southern Thailand - a subject he'd naturally expect to cover with journalists. This is consistent with his reputation and the quiet way he has always conducted business. But as the aim of this interview was to find out what kind of person he is and to get at the story of his professional and private successes - not reveal the secrets of the South - he agreed.
He then gave a short explanation of his position and the structure at the top leadership of the RTP: "With around 210,000-strong Thai police force, I am among eight Deputy Commissioner-Generals who are all equal in responsibility but different in seniority."
Whether he admits it or not, a look at the list of his previous positions, would indicate he is an expert on security and intelligence. His current responsibilities say it all:
"My duty is called a 'special task' with the main jobs focusing on foreign affairs and protection, meaning the protection of the Royal Family, protection of all Thai government officials and also foreign officials who visit Thailand.
"I am also overseeing the Immigration Bureau, the RTP Foreign Affairs Division and the part of the Special Branch that is in charge of protection."
Keeping Quiet
One of his former subordinates gave some clue as to why, after so many years in service, Police General Prung is relatively unknown to the public and to the media.
"He is an 'intelligence man' involved in the clandestine jobs. Such types of work require a person like him, otherwise, you can't operate," he said.
"Secondly, to be quiet and humble has been his nature since childhood and that's why he was selected to serve for so many years in the Special Branch (SB). This particular part of the RTP deals with matters concerning national security and considering the general's natural habits for secrecy and confidentiality, this job suits him perfectly. He fits into the intelligence environment very well. You can't expose yourself too much in this kind of work."
The subordinate added, "The general sees and hears many things that would cause other people to panic but he keeps his cool and composure that enable him to solve the problem."
A high ranking officer who has been working with the SB for many years expressed similar views regarding the general: "He is a very good person, a devoted Buddhist, a good boss and a person very much attached to his family. All personnel should take an example from General Prung because if they follow his lifestyle, the image of the RTP would be much better in the public eyes."
Despite his low profile with the general public, he is quite well known to both Thai and foreign officers in the same business. This was apparent at the wedding reception for his daughter, Miss Paweena, last March.
Dozens of Thai and foreign law enforcement and intelligence officers turned up in what could have been dubbed a "who's who in the intelligence community." Those people who attended came not only because they were invited but also because of their deep respect and appreciation for his personality, work and professionalism.
Officers from several countries praised him and especially emphasised the cooperation and assistance he had extended to them during many years. Some stressed that Gen Prung is admired by the foreign intelligence establishment for being humble, easy to along with, and a devoted family man.
Gen Prung's comments during the interview seemed to reflect this: "The most important thing in our life is family. Good and united family can make our society and country happy. We should have good family lives."
He acknowledged that many families in Thailand are broken , but adds, "not as much as compared to the west."
General Prung is a familiar face at the National Day receptions of various embassies and consulates where he represents the RTP, and in some cases, is invited as a private guest.
In the line of his foreign affairs duties, Gen Prung attended the Joint Malaysia-Thailand Working Committee on Criminal Activities held in Malacca, Malaysia last November.
The meeting aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, the efforts to curb transnational crimes and the training of officers of both forces. Participants discussed crimes such as smuggling, theft of vehicles, human trafficking, terrorism and also exchange of intelligence information.
On the subject of Malaysia, it should also be mentioned that the Sultan of Kelantan Darulnaim bestowed Gen Prung with the title Dato which is a chivalrous status rarely granted to a foreigner.
This honour was given to him in 2006 for services to the Sultan of Kelantan and his family since he was the Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9 which oversees Thailand's southernmost provinces.
Days in a Palace
Gen Prung was born in the compound of Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom. The Palace which is located in the centre of the town was previously a summer residence of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).
"When I was born, the Palace was used as the provincial government house. It consists of many buildings which were at that time the residences for Thai government officials including my parents who lived there in one house," the general said.
His father, Mr Pruang, was an official with the Land Department and his mother, Mrs Pin, a housewife. Both are now deceased.
"We were a small, closely-connected happy family," says Gen Prung.
When asked why he joined the police force, Gen Prung explains, "When I studied at the Armed Forces Pre-Cadet School, I had four choices either to join the Army, Navy, Air Force or police. I chose the police because they were more visible where I lived, very close to the people and I wanted to serve the public. My parents didn't object to me joining the police. They were quite happy with my decision."
"My current position is similar to those I have held before. I feel very comfortable because it involves foreign affairs and intelligence work, like when I served for many years at the Special Branch."
About his main personal goals, he says they are "the same as when I joined the police. Nothing has changed. It is to help the people and to take care of them. I want the people to be happy and to live peacefully in a secure and safe environment. Whenever there's a chance, I will use my ability and power to help them and to improve their lives."
When asked what the biggest security threat to Thailand is at this moment, the general answered: "In my opinion, there are two big types of crime that impact the country. First is the crime that has a direct impact on the lives of the people."
He says the current social and economic climate is ripe for this sort of crime. "Especially at this time when the nation is experiencing economic slowdown, something which is occurring not only in Thailand but across the world; as the population increases and people lose jobs, they have a tendency to commit crime against others. This is a threat that has direct impact on the people. It creates crimes against property and people like robbery, theft and murder."
The other type of crime, he says, involves the economy and so it impacts the whole country.
"People might not realise that this crime actually exists. They can't see it or feel it because it is hidden, and it doesn't directly impact the lives of the people. One such crime is counterfeiting and stock-price manipulation."
He gives an example of the moment. "The price of rice, which is the main food for the people of Thailand, has increased a lot during past months and has had an impact on people in all nations, and especially on the farmers who produce the rice. Ironically, they have to purchase the rice with a higher price and they don't know who is increasing the price."
He adds, "These financial crimes and others that indirectly impact the people are what lead to the crimes that directly affect the people's life and well-being."
Besides helping the public through his police work, Gen Prung also tries to reach out to the younger generations.
"Every time I make a speech or talk to the young people, I emphasise first, that they obey and listen to their parents and teachers, and second, to study hard in order to help the country in the future when they grow up."
He says drugs are the greatest danger to them. "You must get away from the drugs. It is bad for your health and it will destroy you and harm the society. I would like to encourage young people, the young generation, to be good and to behave well."
Gen Prung says he doesn't have any specific hobbies, but that he likes to spend what time he can with nature. "I love plants and trees and I will spend most of my free time looking after many of them inside and outside of my house."
BIO DATA
Police General Prung Boonpadung was born in Nakhon Pathom on January 30, 1949.
He graduated from the Royal Police Cadet Academy in 1971 and took a position as Sub-Lieutenant at Lampoon police station until 1977. He served there two more years as Acting Chief Inspector. He spent four years as a company commander at the Metropolitan Police School and in 1983 he served another year as a deputy superintendent at the Royal Police Cadet Academy.
Gen Prung started his work in the Special Branch (SB) from 1984 and was promoted to the rank of Major-General as SB-1 Commander in 1993. He went to work at the Police Education Bureau in 1996.
During 1997-2001 he was transferred shortly among the SB, the Office of Inspector-General and the Provincial Police Region 8 before being promoted to Lt-Gen as Commissioner attached to the Royal Thai Police in 2002.
Gen Prung was also Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5 and 9 in 2003, and in 2004, he became the SB Commissioner for one and a half years.
He was appointed Advisor to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) in 2005.
In 2007 he became Secretary of the RTP Policy-Making Board and was promoted to Asst Com-Gen, and in October of the same year Gen Prung became full general as Deputy Commissioner-General.
Gen Prung is married to Mrs Duangsamorn. They have two sons and one daughter.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Next
