Discipline breach finding in Yingluck case

Discipline breach finding in Yingluck case

A former deputy chief of Metropolitan Police Division 5 seriously breached police discipline by helping former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra flee to a border province in August, officials said Monday.

Pol Maj Gen Panurat Lakboon, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), said a panel set up to investigate Pol Col Chairit Anurit, who is accused of helping Yingluck flee to Sa Kaeo, has found he is guilty of wrongdoing.

He said the police colonel, who was earlier transferred to an inactive post, breached Section 78 (1) and Section 79 (6) of the Police Act.

The findings will be submitted to acting MPB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Charnthep Sesawet for consideration, he said. A committee is likely to be appointed to recommend disciplinary action and forward its suggestions to the Royal Thai Police (RTP).

According to Pol Maj Gen Panurat, Pol Col Chairit can appeal against the findings within 30 days by submitting the appeal in writing to the RTP.

A criminal investigation is being handled by another team under the supervision of deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul, he added.

Pol Col Chairit was among three officers detained last month in connection with a Toyota Camry allegedly used by Yingluck to travel to the border.

She fled shortly before the Aug 25 ruling by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on her rice scheme trial.

The ex-premier failed to show up to hear the court's ruling in the criminal negligence case over her administration's failed rice-pledging scheme. The court then deferred reading the ruling until Sept 27.

On that date it announced its decision, finding her guilty for not preventing corruption and irregularities in the scheme. It sentenced her to five years in prison.

She is believed to be seeking political asylum in the UK.

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