New police boss for Phuket: Maj Gen Krajang Suwannarat.
His replacement, with immediate effect, is Pol Maj Gen Krajang Suwannarat, Deputy Commander of Region 8 and formerly police chief of Ranong Province. For him, this is likely to be a temporary posting, since it is a step down from his current post.
Gen Ong-Art was somewhat vague about the reasons for his move, which he stressed was temporary.
“It may be a question of my suitability for the post. It’s just a case of various senior officers being moved and swopped around. It’s like the swopping of senior police [that happens regularly]. Nothing to worry about.”
He added that since Gen Krajang is senior to him, Gen Krajang can take his place in Phuket, but he cannot take Gen Krajang’s post as Deputy Regional Commander, so it is unclear what he will be doing in Surat.
He did, however, admit that the coup that brought the Army into power may have had something to do with this abrupt transfer. “It’s not about the curfew. It’s about trust; the army may not trust me.”
He added, “Please say goodbye from me to the people of Phuket. I have tried my best while I was there. If I upset anyone, I would ask for their forgiveness.”