Gen Patchara has been transferred to Ratchaburi province, where he will take up the post of Commander of the Provincial police there.
Pol Col Teerapol Thipjaroen, who is currently Deputy Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, has been promoted to replace Gen Patchara as the senior-ranking officer for Phuket.
“I am glad that I have chance to serve the people of Phuket in this position – and not just Thais, but the tourists as well,” Col Teerapol told The Phuket News.
“Phuket province is unique. I will work hard for everyone to live in peace together, but police alone cannot achieve this – it needs co-operation from everyone for us to succeed in this.”