Paween leads 85 police in holy pledge

CHALONG: In his last official duty as superintendent of Kathu Police Station, Pol Col Paween Pongsirin this morning led 85 police officers under his command in an oath to be honest and to fight crime. Col Paween and almost all of his officers stood before the image of Luang Por Chaem at Chalong temple and vowed, “I will not get involved in any illegal drugs. I will clean up drug problems and arrest those people who perpetrate serious crimes. “If I do so, please grant me and my family prosperity. But if I am dishonest in my duty, may I and my family be damned forever.” Each then sealed the oath by drinking holy water in front of the image. The ceremony was held to encourage police officers to clean up drug problems, Col Paween explained. “This is the first time that Kathu Police Station has done this. At the moment, many police and government officials are involved in illegal drugs and corruption. “The objective of doing this is to make every officer at Kathu Police Station resolute in cleaning up drug problems and in adhering to a policy of openness,” he added. Col Paween will take office as superintendent of Phuket Town police station on Monday. His place in Kathu will be taken by Pol Col Chalit Thintanee.