Police chief wrong to charge admiral

The national police chief’s decision to take action against Adm Phajun Tamprateep for sharing a social media message questioning the alleged “sale” of positions by a police general is a mistake. Instead of filing a defamation suit against Adm Phajun, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda should order investigators to find out whether kickbacks were demanded for promotions. Ideally, the police chief should have instructed an independent body to look into the alleged misconduct which may have involved bribery and the abuse of power.

Instead, deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said the police department filed the complaint against Adm Phajun, citing violation of the Computer Crime Act and Criminal Code.

“This matter is about the integrity of the Royal Thai Police,” Pol Gen Srivara said. “The police risk losing the faith and confidence of the public and the allegation has tarnished the image of the entire police force.”

Ironically, public trust and confidence in the police force would be restored by the opposite strategy.

Every year there are questions of fairness and accusations of interference over police transfers. Particularly during what’s known as “transfer season”, when police officers are anxious to know the results of transfers and promotions, which have been delayed from the previous year.

The discussion over the alleged position buying in Line chat rooms simply reflects some police officers’ anxiety over whether promotions and transfers will be based on an officer’s merit and performance.

The recent military government’s decision to abolish the position of inquiry officers has only added to their nervousness. Some officers are concerned that the new centralised structure will result in the loss of their independence from meddling superiors.

As the chairman of the police reform sub-committee, Adm Phajun said he simply forwarded the message over their concerns on position buying to other police using Line to keep them informed on the issue.

“I insist that I did this for the public good,” Adm Phajun said. “I want to see an investigation to find out whether the allegation is true.” The claim that position buying was practised in the police force was too serious to be ignored.

It is too early to dismiss the allegation as groundless. After all, Adm Phajun is an insider who has insight on police administration.

As a member of the now-defunct National Reform Council he is an author of the aborted constitution, which under the chairmanship of Borwornsak Uwanno suggested reform of the police management structure to ensure it is free from political interference.

Police have pressed charges against Adm Phajun for violating the Computer Crime Act by sharing the message on social media.

He is now required to report to police on March 10, which he said he would do as he is innocent.

Pol Gen Srivara said the legal action against the admiral did not have political motives behind it.

However, the lawsuit discourages police officers from expressing independent views, which is essential if law enforcement officers are to carry out their duties without fear of any intervention.

In fact, an allegation over an officer’s misconduct does not damage the force’s credibility as much as how they react to and deal with it.

Police departments all over the world take action against their officers to distinguish bad cops from good cops to keep public faith and trust.

Failing to weed out the bad cops can negatively impact the reputation of the entire organisation.

Inaction to investigate, or failure to act if corruption is unearthed, can result in the loss of public trust as it demonstrates inefficiency.

Since the military government has vowed to combat graft, they should find out whether such malpractices in the force have happened.

Pol Lt Col Krisanaphong Poothakool, an assistant professor and president of the Institute of Criminology and Justice Administration at Rangsit University, earlier pointed out that trust in law enforcement is necessary for a society that strives to solve social conflict.

This is particularly relevant in Thailand, where social division runs deep. Any doubt over the integrity of the police can jeopardise delivering fairness through the justice system.

An allegation over an officer’s misconduct does not damage the force’s credibility as much as how they react to and deal with it