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Thailand’s Military Backed Police Commission Vote to Strip Thaksin of his Police Rank

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Thai national police chief Somyot Poompanmoung speaks during a press conference at Royal Thai Police Bureau

Thai national police chief Somyot Poompanmoung speaks during a press conference at Royal Thai Police Bureau

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BANGKOK – The Police Commission backed by Thailand’s Military backed government, decided unanimously on Friday that Thaksin Shinawatra should be stripped of his lieutenant-colonel rank.

The recommendation will be sent to Thailand’s Police chief Somyot Poompanmoung who was appointed by General Prayuth’s government today. If he agrees with it, the recommendation will be forward to the Prime Minister’s Office for action.

Thaksin Shinawatra first wore the police uniform in 1973

Thaksin Shinawatra first wore the police uniform in 1973

Pol Gen Chaiya Siri-ampankul, chairman of the panel considering the case, said on Friday panel members found Thaksin, being a suspect in a criminal case and then fleeing, had met one of the seven conditions for the penalty under the police regulation on rank stripping.

Pol Gen Chaiya insisted the panel members were not bullying anyone but simply acted by law. “The accused can explain in writing to the National Police Bureau.”

The panel based its decision on the ruling by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

In 2008, Thaksin was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail by the court for abuse of power in the sale of state land to his then wife in an auction when he was prime minister. He fled Thailand before he was sentenced and has since lived in self-exile abroad.

Also on Friday afternoon, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said its had received a case against Thaksin from the police Technology Crime Suppression Division.

An Office of the Attorney General spokesman, confirmed the case involved Thaksin’s interview with media in Korea, which authorities found detrimental to national security and the palace.

Since the act was committed abroad, attorney-general Trakul Vinitchaipak will decide how to proceed, Mr Wanchai said.

Thai media reported on Thursday the Royal Thai Army, via commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, filed complaints against Thaksin on May 26 for breaking Sections 112, 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also said later that day a lot of other people had filed similar complaints with police.

Section 112 provides: “Whoever, defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of 3-15 years”.

Sections 326 and 328 involve defamation, with imprisonment not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht.

The former prime minister told Choson Media in Seoul last Wednesday some groups were behind the May 22, 2014 coup.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is working on a case against Yingluck Shinawatra and her then-foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, for giving her brother Thaksin back his passports four years ago and could have the investigation wrapped up next month, the agency said Friday.

In June, the NACC will meet to decide whether it will indict the pair or drop the case centered on abuse of authority.

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