In an exclusive interview with The Phuket News as he left, he fired a blast at comments on social media about police work, especially over the handling of the Koh Tao murders, an investigation in which he was belatedly involved.
Police have been stung by an avalanche of criticism and conspiracy theories on social media over the case, and Gen Paween warned that anyone posting unsubstantiated criticism on social media risked facing legal action.
“For example, in [former Patong Mayor] Pian Keesin’s case comments were posted in various social media. In the end these people may receive calls from the police.
“Posting or commenting on social media may seem like a lot of fun, but it is not so much fun when you are summoned by police to answer criminal charges.
“I was ordered to follow up the Koh Tao murders case in October. I want to say that I am not worried about anything [being found wrong in the investigation]. Everything was done according to the law.”
The work Gen Paween started in Phuket 10 months ago, investigating taxi mafia and illegal occupation of public beaches will continue, he said.
Phuket Police Commander Maj Gen Pachara Boonyasit has confirmed this, adding “Black and illegal taxis and sunbed operators must be become extinct.”
Gen Paween recalled, “I and my team of 10 worked in Phuket from January 2014. [Former Region 8 Commissioner Lt Gen Panya Mamen] put me on the case because tourist were being intimidated.
“The most important thing was the black taxis. It was difficult to work with. I spent about three months investigating. In the end I arrested 113 people in 116 cases.
“I can confirm that the sunbed operators cannot be on the public beaches. There is no exception. Karon Mayor Thawee Thongcham and other officials will punished by law [for their involvement].
“Plus, the jet-skis should not be a beach activity because the advantages are outweighed by the disadvantages. There are always problems that damage our national image. Parasailing, too. If they still carry on [breaking the law by operating from the beach] then the [municipal official] who gives them the go-ahead must be punished.”
He added, “All the follow-up tasks will be taken care of by the new Phuket Commander. I believe he can do this effectively. I hope people will follow all these tasks so that people will have faith in the police.”