The former deputy national police chief, who has been temporarily suspended, has accused the Thai PM of an abuse of power and “malfeasance”. The comments mark a major ramping of the rhetoric between the suspended deputy police chief and the Thai PM.
Thai PBS World reports that Surachate Hakparn filed an official petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, accusing PM Srettha Thaivisin of “an abuse of office”. Surachate is calling for an investigation into the PM’s actions, including his decision last year to appoint Torsak Sukvimol as national police chief.
Surachate also wants the authorities to investigate his own suspension from the Royal Thai Police and to look into the reasons behind the ongoing probe into the BNK Master online gambling website. That investigation ultimately led to Surachate and 4 subordinates being arrested and charged with money laundering.
The former deputy police chief has accused the investigating authorities of failing to submit their findings to the NACC within the mandatory 30-day timeframe. As a result, he says the investigation is not legitimate and there is no basis for it.
The PM recently transferred both Surachate and Torsak out of the Royal Thai Police to the PM’s Office pending the outcome of the investigation. Last week, Surachate was temporarily suspended from the police force until a disciplinary investigation against him is concluded.
Surachate has appealed to the Police Service Commission to have his suspension withdrawn. While he says he’s confident of being reinstated, he believes there are attempts afoot to block him from becoming Thailand’s next national police chief.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
