New NACC head’s ties to regime a ‘dilemma’
With an unblemished work record, newly-appointed chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit appears to be a good choice for the job. Yet dilemma confronts him.
The new NACC chief, who succeeds Panthep Klanarongran, has a weakness — his strong connection to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), says Thai Rath columnist Mae Look Chan.
Writing in his column yesterday, he said Pol Gen Watcharapol, a former acting police chief and ex-secretary of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, received seven votes against two for the job.
Mae Look Chan attributed Pol Gen Watcharapol’s win to his strong backing. He quit as Gen Prawit’s aide to take the job.
The other contender, Preecha Lertkamonmas, received only two votes — one from Pol Gen Sathaporn Laothong and the other from himself. Pol Gen Watcharapol is one of five commissioners appointed by the National Legislative Assembly to replace those who have completed their terms in office.
Mae Look Chan said Pol Gen Watcharapol has a PhD in criminology from a United States university, a master’s degree in justice management and a clean record in a lifelong police career.
His only shortcoming is he is directly connected to the regime, having recently quit as secretary to Gen Prawit.
Nevertheless, Mae Look Chan said he believed the five new commissioners, including the chairman, would be better than their predecessors who had left office.
He also hopes this “new blood” group will be able to restore public trust and confidence, especially regarding the issues of transparency, impartiality and justice.
The watchdog has a huge backlog of over 10,000 cases awaiting deliberation or judgement. Given the backlog, it’s about time the NACC did a proper “house cleaning” job, he said.
Thai Rath columnist Sai Lor Fah, however, believes Pol Gen Watcharapol’s chairmanship could pose a problem because he was widely considered as a nominee of the NCPO.
The writer said there was speculation before the vote that he was destined for the NACC job.
Apart from being appointed acting police chief immediately after the May 22 coup last year, Pol Gen Watcharapol was also named a member of the National Legislative Assembly and eventually secretary to Gen Prawit.
“That shows his capability and resourcefulness have won the trust of the key NCPO men,’’ said Sai Lor Fah.
Simply put, he said the police officer was handpicked by Gen Prawit. The same goes for several other appointees to key posts in the police and military because they are close to the deputy prime minister, he added.
As a matter of fact, the writer said there should not be any problem with Pol Gen Watcharapol assuming the NACC chairmanship because of his qualifications and clean work record.
However, he warned the NACC will have to keep check on the performance of politicians from the opposition camp, especially when the NCPO leaves power.
Meanwhile, Thai Rath columnist Mud Lek said Pol Gen Watcharapol would have to prove himself, in his capacity as chairman, that the NACC can be transparent and perform up to standard.
Tangmo’s travails tops
More Thais appear to be depending on websites for news reports, both domestic and international, says Peat Nutchanatanon, head of Google Thailand’s marketing section.
The suicide attempt of actress Pattaratida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong after breaking up with her actor partner, the lavish wedding of superstar Araya “Chompoo” A Hargate to businessman Witsarut “Nott” Rungsisingpipat, and the SEA Games were the most popular search items on Google during the year, he said.
They were followed by searches on the Rohingya minority group, the Ratchaprasong bombing, the Rajabhakti Park scandal, the passing of revered monk Luang Por Koon, dengue fever, the women’s national football team, and the proposed internet single gateway.
Google also breaks down searches by category. In the people category, actor Thrisadee “Por” Sahawong, who is critically ill with complications caused by dengue fever is in third place, after Luang Por Koon and Anna Reese, an actress who crashed her car into a police vehicle, killing an officer.
On the international front, the Nepal earthquake topped searches, followed by ISIS, and the Loch Ness monster.
The Paris attacks came in at 7th, followed by the Tour de France and the Charlie Hebdo massacre.
“What Mor Yong did wrong?” is the third most popular “inquiry” on Google, (as opposed to simple searches), referring to the death of fortune teller Mor Yong, or Suriyan Sucharitpolwong, a prime suspect in a lese majeste case.
The top searches in the entertainment category were Cheuk Wiset (Magic Rope), a song by the Labanoon band, followed by the Rakna Pedngo (Duckie, I Love You) TV series, and Puan Hian Rongrian Lorn, a school ghost drama.
Taxi driver tugs hearts
Netizens are lending moral support to a taxi driver with a deformed face, kapook.com says.
Facebook user Podsawalt Ariyarachatopas shared the story of taxi driver Supin, whose face was badly deformed in an accident when he was young.
The story was widely forwarded by netizens, and over 244,200 people had read the report as of yesterday.
Many hail his taxi but turn away when they see his face, said the Facebook user, who posted the story on Tuesday. It’s one reason why Supin has trouble keeping a regular job.
Worse, Podsawalt said, the driver cannot drive in the daytime as his eyes cannot stand strong sunlight, so he has to ply the streets at night.
“People are afraid of his looks. But he is just doing his job. He has two young kids to look after,” he said.
Podsawalt made a plea: “Anyone who comes across him, don’t be afraid or turn away. He needs your support.”
Many netizens showed their support for the driver.
“It’s not unusual that people are shocked when seeing him at night. But now the report is out, passengers will be more understanding and help him,” said net user Mimwan.
Another user said she has never chosen taxi drivers. “Instead, it’s the drivers who are choosy. I have been rejected so often.”
Several said people should not judge others from their looks. Some good-looking drivers turn out to be bad guys.
Net user Nui Dek Dong said: “I will use his taxi if I get a chance. I think good things are happening.