DSI deputy chiefs named

>> Korrawat Panprapakorn, the director of the Bureau of Regional Operations, and Prawut Wongseenin, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection and Environment Crime, are to become the new deputy chiefs of the Department of Special Investigation.

A Justice Ministry committee chose Pol Lt Col Korrawat and Pol Lt Col Prawut to fill the positions left vacant by the transfer of two former deputies, a ministry source said.

Pol Lt Col Phong-in Intharakhao and Pol Lt Col Sombun Sarasit were transferred under a Section 44 order to the Prime Minister’s Office where they were assigned to other duties.

Pol Lt Col Korrawat has played a key role in several important cases including a DSI investigation into alleged tax evasion involving more than 6,000 assembled cars that followed a fire that destroyed six super cars that were being transported through Nakhon Ratchasima on May 29, 2013.

In following up the case, Pol Lt Col Korrawat became involved in a further investigation into Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn, also known as Somdet Chuang, the abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, for alleged tax evasion with regards to his Mercedes-Benz.

He also played a crucial role in the investigation of Phra Kru Palad Sitthiwat, known as Luang Phi Namfon, the abbot of Wat Pailom in Nakhon Pathom, for alleged tax evasion involving his Jaguar car.

Pol Lt Col Prawut had a key role in a land encroachment case at Khao Phaeng on Koh Samui in which Tan Thaugsuban, son of Suthep Thaugsuban was sentenced to three years in jail for forest encroachment and constructing a pond.

He has also been involved in investigating alleged land encroachment by Wat Phra Dhammakaya on Phangnga’s Koh Yao Noi and World Peace Valley Meditation Centre in Khao Yai National Park.

Both officers were involved in the recent operations at Wat Phra Dhamakaya.

Justice permanent secretary Charnchao Chaiyanukij said the official appointments will be finalised later this week.