Top probe cop promotion ‘won’t derail’ Billy inquiry

The chief investigator in the hunt for the killers of Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen was adamant yesterday his sudden promotion from the DSI would not derail the case.

Korrawat Panprapakorn, deputy director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), said the case remained live and investigators would continue their efforts to find those responsible, after finding evidence last month confirming that Porlajee was murdered.

Pol Lt Col Korrawat was speaking for the first time since the cabinet on Tuesday approved a ministry proposal to transfer him out of the DSI to the post of inspector-general at the Justice Ministry. The promotion will take effect after it receives royal endorsement. The announcement sparked doubts over the future of the long-running murder case. Porlajee went missing in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi in 2004. There have been no arrests.

Pol Lt Col Korrawat’s comments were clearly intended to reassure doubters. The outgoing senior DSI official is expected to meet his team of investigators for the last time next week. He did not name the person who will take over the case when he leaves.

Pol Lt Col Korrawat admitted he was worried that Porlajee’s wife, Pinnapa Prueksapan, and her family would be disappointed over his transfer. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said the transfer was a reward for Pol Lt Col Korrawat’s efforts. He was being promoted from C9 to C10 level in his new position as an inspector-general at the ministry. Pol Lt Col Korrawat could not be promoted to director-general because there were no vacancies, he added.