Judge backs Thawil in transfer row
The Supreme Administrative Court yesterday heard a statement on the alleged unfair transfer of former National Security Council (NSC) chief Thawil Pliensri.
The judge in charge of the case told the court the government’s order transferring Mr Thawil from NSC chief to a job as prime minister’s adviser almost two years ago was politically partial and unjust.
A panel of judges at the Supreme Administrative Court will make the final ruling, on a date yet to be set.
Mr Thawil filed his complaint with the Central Administrative Court in April last year against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and two other political post-holders after he was removed from the NSC and appointed as an adviser.
The transfer, which took effect immediately, was made via a prime minister’s order dated Sept 30, 2011.
Mr Thawil was convinced his transfer was not done fairly and in accordance with the civil service law.
On May 31 this year, the Administrative Court ruled in favour of Mr Thawil, revoking the prime ministerial order and ordering Mr Thawil to be reinstated.
However, the prime minister appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court.
At the Supreme Court session yesterday, the prime minister’s lawyer, Nonthikorn Kanchanajittra, presented a counter-statement. Mr Thawil also showed up at the court.
Some observers believe the transfer of Mr Thawil to the position of PM’s adviser was aimed at allowing Pol Gen Priewphan Damapong to become police chief and his predecessor Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree to take over Thawil’s position at the NSC. Pol Gen Wichean was later transferred to the post of permanent secretary at the Transport Ministry and Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanabut was appointed NSC secretary-general.
Mr Thawil will retire in September next year.