The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO), a marketing arm under the Commerce Ministry, has terminated the employment of its director, Pol Maj Sarawut Sukulmeerith, after he failed to pass a performance evaluation.
Pol Lt Col Pairoj Panjapratheep, chairman of the PWO board of directors, said the dismissal had been effective since Feb 20, 2013.
Pol Maj Sarawut had been informed on Jan 21, 2013. He would receive compensation equal to six months salary, or a minimum of one million baht.
In the evaluation process, the director should get at least 3 out of 5 but Pol Maj Sarawut received only 2.75 in his latest evaluation and 2.5 in the first evaluation, Pol Lt Col Pairoj said. The assessment is done every six months.
He was hired in December 2011.
Pol Maj Sarawut was a member of the disbanded People's Power Party and a defendant in the case in which Duang Yubamrung, the youngest son of Mr Chalerm, was charged with murdering Crime Suppression Division detective Snr Sgt Maj Suwichai Rodwimut at the Twenty Club on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok on Oct 29, 2001.
Pol Maj Sarawut was then charged with obstruction of justice in the fatal shooting.
Later the Criminal Court acquitted both men and the public prosecution did not appeal.
Pol Lt Col Pairoj insisted that there was no political influence over the termination of employment. The PWO wanted an appropriate director to implement the government's policies. It also wanted a director who could lift its performance so it would be removed from the top five state-agencies on a black-list for possible dissolution.
During his year in the job, Pol Maj Sarawut was accused of corruption in shallot sales and mismanagement of rice pledged under the government's policy scheme. The cases have not been finalised.
The warehouse organisation has called for applications for a new director, with selection expected to be complete in a few months. A recommendation will then be made to the cabinet for approval.