Thailand’s new police chief has dismissed reports that the Royal Thai Police is rife with infighting, saying people are “imagining things”. According to a Nation Thailand report, Torsak Sukwimol says he plans to make the RTP a “home” for every police officer.
There has been much speculation that all is not well within Thailand’s police force, following recent raids on the homes of deputy national police chief, Surachate Hakparn, aka, “Big Joke”. Widely speculated as a hot favourite for the top job, some observers claim the raids on his six properties were a deliberate attempt to discredit him in the days before the selection day.
Surachate himself has claimed the raids were politically motivated.
“I won’t seek revenge, but I have a lot of details that, if revealed, can put the entire Royal Thai Police Bureau under fire.”
However, Torsak denies there is any rift within the ranks, saying there will be no infighting on his watch.
“I want to make the Royal Thai Police Bureau a home for all policemen. There are no disputes in the bureau, people are just imagining things”.
On Friday, photos were circulated of Torsak and Surachate standing next to each other, after the new police chief invited his deputy to meet with him. The images sparked speculation on social media that the meeting might put an end to alleged dissension in the force.
According to the Nation Thailand report, Torsak assured Surachate he could trust him.
“You can’t find someone more sincere than me. I’m an honest person with no tricks. I say what I believe. I have never stabbed anybody in the back.”
Torsak has yet to decide the duties of his deputies, but Surachate is expected to be tasked with security-related responsibilities.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
