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http://bangkokpost.com/010908_News/01Sep2008_news03.php
General news >> Monday September 01, 2008
Web www.bangkokpost.com
City police chief transferred
POST REPORTERS
Metropolitan Police chief Aswin Kwanmuang has been sidelined _ the first senior police officer to become a victim of the confrontation between the government and the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
National police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan yesterday signed an order transferring him to an inactive post at the Royal Thai Police Office and appointed deputy police chief Jongrak Juthanont as acting Metropolitan Police chief.
The transfers take effect today.
A police source said Pol Lt-Gen Aswin was transferred because the government was unhappy that he had failed to abide by government policy and had not dispersed the PAD supporters.
A grim Pol Lt-Gen Aswin said he did not know why he was being moved, but said he was not discouraged by the untimely transfer. He will have to leave office at the end of the month before taking up his new post as an assistant national police chief next month.
Only hours before he was informed of his transfer, Pol Lt-Gen Aswin vowed to abide by a suggestion made by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who said casualties from possible clashes between PAD supporters and police should be minimised.
The princess, in her capacity as executive vice-president of the Thai Red Cross Society, on Saturday instructed the Red Cross to keep doctors and rescue units on standby, ready to immediately treat any victims.
Pol Lt-Gen Aswin said police would control the situation and try to prevent any violence.
He was willing to accept any criticism for allowing the PAD's anti-government demonstrations to continue, but would not allow any bloodshed.
PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said Pol Lt-Gen Aswin was quite friendly towards PAD supporters as he understood their right to voice their opinions.
However, the PAD sees Pol Gen Jongrak as someone trying too hard to please the Samak government, Mr Suriyasai said. He said the government wanted Pol Gen Jongrak as acting city police chief because they have already decided they will end the demonstration violently.
PAD supporters at Government House would camp there forever, or until Mr Samak resigns, Mr Suriyasai said.
General news >> Monday September 01, 2008
Web www.bangkokpost.com
City police chief transferred
POST REPORTERS
Metropolitan Police chief Aswin Kwanmuang has been sidelined _ the first senior police officer to become a victim of the confrontation between the government and the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
National police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan yesterday signed an order transferring him to an inactive post at the Royal Thai Police Office and appointed deputy police chief Jongrak Juthanont as acting Metropolitan Police chief.
The transfers take effect today.
A police source said Pol Lt-Gen Aswin was transferred because the government was unhappy that he had failed to abide by government policy and had not dispersed the PAD supporters.
A grim Pol Lt-Gen Aswin said he did not know why he was being moved, but said he was not discouraged by the untimely transfer. He will have to leave office at the end of the month before taking up his new post as an assistant national police chief next month.
Only hours before he was informed of his transfer, Pol Lt-Gen Aswin vowed to abide by a suggestion made by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who said casualties from possible clashes between PAD supporters and police should be minimised.
The princess, in her capacity as executive vice-president of the Thai Red Cross Society, on Saturday instructed the Red Cross to keep doctors and rescue units on standby, ready to immediately treat any victims.
Pol Lt-Gen Aswin said police would control the situation and try to prevent any violence.
He was willing to accept any criticism for allowing the PAD's anti-government demonstrations to continue, but would not allow any bloodshed.
PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said Pol Lt-Gen Aswin was quite friendly towards PAD supporters as he understood their right to voice their opinions.
However, the PAD sees Pol Gen Jongrak as someone trying too hard to please the Samak government, Mr Suriyasai said. He said the government wanted Pol Gen Jongrak as acting city police chief because they have already decided they will end the demonstration violently.
PAD supporters at Government House would camp there forever, or until Mr Samak resigns, Mr Suriyasai said.
