At the heart of Thai politics is a storm brewing passionately, throwing Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, who is 61 and hails from Bangkok, into the eye of the controversy. The allegations of favouritism have emerged surrounding his handling of police colonel assignments, making waves throughout the country and manifesting in an enormous, fiery backlash on social platforms and Parliament alike.
During a November 21st gathering of Pheu Thai MPs, the Thai Premier made a statement of certain magnitude. He acknowledged that some MPs had specific interests in certain officers being promoted to police colonels. This intra-party confluence amid discussions about national debt raised many eyebrows. To address the debt, Srettha suggested a dialogue between district chiefs and police colonels or superintendents from all police stations on November 28.
However, it was his candid, albeit problematic note on the recent police colonel appointments that sent ripples of concern through the public and political echo chambers. As Srettha navigated these tricky waters, he said, “For the new police colonel, many people in this room may feel disappointed while only some feel fulfilled. A lot of MPs asked for the positions. I think it was too much, but many had their hopes fulfilled.”
This statement was interpreted as an inadvertent admission of corruption within the esteemed Royal Thai Police. Critics argue that the Prime Minister himself, a public servant, should refrain from endorsing such favouritism and nepotism as standard procedures. The sanctity of government departments, including the RTP, requires that MPs should not wield any influence in the allocation of positions.
This brewing controversy garnered a wealth of public interest, pushing the hashtag #PheuThaiPrivilegeTickets to top Thai Twitter trends. Demands for the Premier to provide further clarification regarding his speech crescendoed not just from netizens but politicians as well.
Fierce opponents from the Move Forward Party tagged in, led by MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, who took to Twitter to publicly demand accountability for these seemingly controversial appointments. He reminded the public and government alike that such promotions are considered illegal under Section 185 of the Thai Constitution, which prohibits MPs from meddling directly or indirectly with government officials’ appointment, transfer, or promotion.
Wiroj’s call for public clarity was echoed by fellow MFP MP, Rangsiman Rome. Rome implored fellow police officers privy to the alleged corruption to bravely step forward and expose the truth.
In response to the growing pressure, PM Srettha publicly refuted these favouritism allegations. He stood his ground, maintaining he had not meddled with appointments or transfers within the RTP or other government departments. However, the public, led by wary politicians, demand more than a simple denial.
Intent on transparency and accountability, the Chairman of the Police Commission and Democrat Party MP, Chaichana Daecho, has made it known that the Commission intends to grill the PM on his contentious statement on December 7th. With full public eyes on him, Srettha will have to prove his reputation as an honourable and respected PM that many had voted for.
Meanwhile, echoing throughout the parliament echo chambers, Seree Ruam Thai Party leader and former RTP commissioner Sereepisuth Temeeyaves called on PM Srettha to step down from his post. The demand, although intense, underlines the gravity of the controversy surrounding his remarks, amplifying the chorus of voices demanding a comprehensive expression of responsibility.
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