BANGKOK, 6 June 2012 – Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Yongyuth Wichaidit, insisted that the lightning transfer of two police station chiefs in the capital is not related to the erection of anti-government banners.
Following the sudden transfer of superintendents of Samranrat and Thammasala Police Stations to inactive posts at Royal Thai Police headquarters for 30 days, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the move was not due to their failure to remove the anti-government posters in their area. Mr Yongyuth said their dismissal from the current posts is believed to follow their superiors’ evaluation of their respective performances.
He added that Pheu Thai MP Vicharn Minchainant is now in charge of the disposal of such banners.
In response to the posting of these banners, Mr Yongyuth further noted that it is within the country’s democratic framework, in which members of the public have the freedom to express themselves through speech and print media.
He elaborated that the Royal Thai police is prepared for untoward incidents between different political groups as public gathering can be held in any public areas in accordance with the rule of laws.
