How one man shapes upper ranks of nation's police force

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How one man shapes upper ranks of nation's police force

Reshuffle shows importance of politics, community relations in promotions

Published: 10 Dec 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The latest high-ranking reshuffles in key police units show how power plays, political connections and community relations can dictate promotions, a senior police source says.

Kamronwit: Has ‘absolute power’

The reshuffle, which took effect on Thursday, brought many senior officers, transferred under the previous Democrat Party-led government, back into the fold.

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faceless
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Discussion 18 : 11 Dec 2012 at 09.2118
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With laws that are so easily misinterpreted, misunderstood and misapplied the specific personnel who are delegated to apply them does become politically important.

It's all about centralising power, and most people understand that the nucleus of power in this game is not located in Thailand.
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ricefield
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Discussion 17 : 10 Dec 2012 at 23.4417
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No One is immune in this game. "transferred under the previous Democrat Party-led government". What's happening is a realignment to where these people were prior to the Democrats taking over. Instead of yelling about the PTP changing the officers everyone should be asking why any party is allowed to change the officers. The Democrats did the exact same thing as well but they had to remove resistant members from the police board to get their guys in place.
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howell
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Discussion 16 : 10 Dec 2012 at 22.5716
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'It was time for police to not only enforce the laws but also acquire community relations skills in dealing with people, Pol Lt Gen Pongpat said'. Be careful what you say or Thaksin will have you demoted.
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bigpicture
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Discussion 15 : 10 Dec 2012 at 16.4215
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Android: You assume too much: "Nothing new to the readers". Nothing new to folks in Thailand but not in every country. If you take your blinders off for a very short period of time you might see that promotions/demotions/decisions should be made in light of what needs to be returned to the citizens. In "many" other countries, blatant cronyism, lame excuses et al., don't last long. You can support Thaksin,up to you,and others will do the same. Community policing is not uncommon in many country's police forces but I can assure you that it is done with the community in mind. "Absolute Power", love to see that description.
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banmebkk
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Discussion 14 : 10 Dec 2012 at 16.1814
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Its funny how top level people from all department and ministries admit to the corruption and lies but nothing is done about it. Finance minister admits to lying about the Thailands economic status. Ex Agriculture Minister admits letting water out of Dams late. Police general admits getting helping hand from Thaksin and lets Thaksin pin a new star. Yingluck says its too hot that is why people think prices are increasing. Chalerm says not terrorist and its all peaceful in Thailand. HELLO! Are all these people zombies?
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john49
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Discussion 13 : 10 Dec 2012 at 14.1913
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Pol Lt Gen Pongpat said 'many countries, including Japan, Singapore and Canada, have launched community policing schemes which reduced crime and drug use'.

As the countries that he mentioned are 17,5 and 9 respectively on the 2012 Corruption Index, maybe the Thai police need to change other of their activities to be more in line with their foreign counterparts.
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democrazy
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Discussion 12 : 10 Dec 2012 at 12.4212
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The police is the worst government organisation in Thailand.
The police is the main agency for enforcing the laws and rules.
This a main reason why the political situation is so devided today.
Because the police should be neutral, but the police clearly favours 1 political party. This is wrong and who can change that ?
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bluebottle
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Discussion 11 : 10 Dec 2012 at 10.2311
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That seems to be game set and match to the reds.The final nail in the coffin.I really cannot understand the apathy of the general public in Thailand.
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Ian
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Discussion 10 : 10 Dec 2012 at 09.2810
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"Or can we leave the envelopes empty with just a "thank you" note?" I wish!
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dickemery
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Discussion 9 : 10 Dec 2012 at 09.279
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job done and dusted,but more concerned about the military ,taxsin has slowly infiltrated the army general,promoting them also into politics to appease his once enemies,the power of the dollar,look at ex coup leader general now chairman of coalition partners,the man who handed in the noncense reconcillation bill he turncoat,who is left to defend decency and the law ?
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