Thai prime minister faces backlash over alleged police favouritism

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is facing a backlash over alleged favouritism in police selection assignments. During a meeting with Pheu Thai MPs on Tuesday, November 21, the PM mentioned that some Pheu Thai MPs had requested police colonel positions for their preferred officers.

While addressing the debt issue in the meeting, PM Srettha proposed a solution involving district chiefs meeting with police colonels or superintendents from each station on November 28 to discuss area-specific solutions.

The 61 year old Thai prime minister also discussed recent appointments of police colonels, which has drawn attention and raised concerns about potential favouritism in the selection process.

“For the new police colonel, many people in this room may feel disappointed while only some feel fulfilled. A lot of MPs asked for the positions. I think it was too much, but many had their hopes fulfilled.”

The statement was seen as a revelation of corruption within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Some felt that the Bangkok-born PM should not accept nepotism and favouritism as normal practice. MPs should not be involved in the allocation of positions both within the RTP and other government departments.

The favouritism allegations pushed the hashtag #PheuThaiPrivilegeTickets (ตั๋วเพื่อไทย) to the top of Thai Twitter (X), and many netizens joined politicians in calling on the prime minister to clarify his speech.

MFP MPs speak out

Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn posted his feelings on Twitter.

“MPs are demanding police colonel positions for their favourite officers. This is considered illegal under Section 185 of the Thai Constitution. MPs are not allowed to directly or indirectly intervene or interfere in the appointment, transfer or promotion of government officials.”

Wiroj also called on PM Srettha to answer public questions about who the aforementioned MPs who applied for police colonel positions. Wiroj added that the PM should also announce a punishment for these MPs. If not, the PM himself would be considered corrupt.

Another MFP MP, Rangsiman Rome, also complained about corruption and urged police officers who witnessed it to come forward and report the information to him.

PM Srettha later denied the favouritism allegations, insisting that he had never interfered in appointments and transfers in the RTP and other government departments. However, the public and some politicians are demanding more than just a denial.

Chairman of the Police Commission and Democrat Party MP Chaichana Daecho told PPTV HD that the commission planned to summon the Thai PM to clarify the intention of his statement on December 7.

Chaichana said PM Srettha was new to politics and may not have known that MPs and senators are not allowed to interfere in the allocation or transfer of positions in government departments. Chaichana hoped that the PM would clarify the issue himself on the scheduled date so that he could prove to be an honourable and respected PM.

Seree Ruam Thai Party leader and former RTP commissioner Sereepisuth Temeeyaves even urged PM Srettha to resign from his post to take responsibility for his remarks.