Local chiefs gain more power

Local chiefs gain more power

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) plans to amend laws to give provincial governors and district chiefs nationwide the power to oversee the reshuffle of local administrative officers.

The decision follows a meeting yesterday chaired by assistant army chief Gen Paiboon Kumchaya, who is also in charge of the NCPO's legal and judicial affairs.

The meeting at the Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road was also attended by 1,350 governors, deputy governors and district chief officers, security officers, provincial police commanders and public health authorities.

He said the governors serve as heads of the provinces and they should have power over administrative functions and promote officials in their province.

Currently such power rests with the Interior Ministry.

Also discussed at the meeting was the country's drug problem, especially in the provinces where use is rife.

Gen Paiboon urged governors and local authorities to try and find ways to deal with the drug problem.

"Tell me what needs to be done to solve the problems so I can respond to your needs," Gen Paiboon said. 

He urged governors nationwide to come up with integrated plans to solve the country's narcotic problems within three months.

“I will always give strong support to all governors, chiefs of district offices and other state or local officers to tackle the drugs problems," he said.

Gen Paiboon stressed that combating narcotics issues requires a sufficient budget and some regulations may need amending.

Meanwhile, police seized 50-million baht in cars, gold and other assets from the wife of a disgraced former Surat Thani policeman who was fired for suspected drug dealing.

Police in Khiri Ratthanikhom district yesterday announced the arrest of Jintana Thienchi, 38. She is married to Pol Sgt Maj 3rd Class Waipoj Thianchai, who was charged earlier.

Deputy Surat Thani chief Pol Col Pornsak Nuannu said a raid on Mrs Jintana's home recovered 11 methamphetamine pills, 1.1 grammes of crystal methamphetamine and marijuana, 65 rounds of .45 ammunition, two M-16 ammunition magazines, six rounds of .38 ammunition and other items.

Mrs Jintana denied any involvement in drug dealing, and she claimed the ammunition seized belonged to her husband.

Police, however, seized 50-million-baht worth of her possessions they allege had been purchased with drug money, including a Mercedes-Benz sedan, pickup truck, four 10-wheel trucks, two six-wheel trucks, a speed boat and 50 baht weight in gold ornaments. Pol Col Pornsak said the police action followed complaints from residents.

Police also nabbed two other suspects, Somkid Naen-udon and Jirayuth Songrat, with 4,132 ya ba pills.

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