The military authority puts the knife in the police force. On Monday evening, it announced three amendments to the police law, which aim to reduce political interference. But, as it turns out Bangkok Post in an analysis, the concentration of power could potentially lead to a police state.
The most important change is the appointment procedure for the head of the Royal Thai Police (the national police force). The are built on? (police board) is given the authority to appoint someone who is nominated by the retiring chief of police. Until now, the Prime Minister appointed the Chief of Police. Only police officers of the rank of general are eligible for the post.
Another not insignificant change concerns the composition of the police board. The ministers of Justice and the Interior will lose their seats and the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defense (the highest official boss at the ministry) will strengthen the ranks. The number of specialists is reduced from four to two, to be chosen by the Senate.
A police source explains that the changes will put an end to political appointments. The prime minister will have less say over the police force. Police officers now get a chance to get promoted and they don't have to take into account the 'prevailing political wind'. Departing commanders can nominate their successor without interference. This means that officers from other units are less likely to succeed them.
Democratic MP Atthawich Suwanphakdi interprets the changes as limiting political influence. The role of the police is getting stronger.
But Atthawich believes there is still a long way to go. He warns of a police state, because the influence of the central government is limited.
Former Police Chief Adul Saengsingkaew and as a member of the NCPO in charge of special affairs is pleased with the restructuring. "Each police unit can now nominate someone they consider suitable for the position."
A source at the former governing party Pheu Thai is not happy with the changes. "It's wrong to let the army be part of the police administration." But he doesn't take it too seriously, because once elections have been held, politicians can undo the changes.
(Source: Bangkok Post, July 16, 2014)
That last sentence in particular is both entertaining and the reason that those elections are still a while away. After the elections, we just change everything back. And so no elections can be held. Or it is the run-up to new military intervention.
Some peoples are not (yet) ready for parliamentary democracy. Thai still have a long way to go.