“I will discuss the findings with the Interior Minister to prevent any recurrences in the future,” Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada told The Phuket News.
“And I would like Gen Anupong to report the investigative committee’s findings directly to the Prime Minister. Who knows, whatever transpires from this might become a test case for other provinces and the country,” he said.
Unlike other departments under the Interior Ministry, the Royal Thai Police do not report to the Interior Minister. Instead, the national police chief, currently Pol Gen Somyos Poompanmuang, reports directly to PM Gen Prayut.
Meanwhile, Gov Chamroen said that he remains perplexed by the violence perpetrated by villagers during the riots. He, like the police (see story here), believes that certain agitators were likely involved in sparking the unrest, which broke out after two young men, both drugs suspects, were killed while police were attempting to arrest them during a high-speed chase (see story here).
“This is very sensitive issue and we have to act according to the law, but I still wonder why it happened,” he said.
“That Saturday afternoon I spoke with the victims’ parents and they seemed to understand the situation, but only a few hours later there was a big mob.”
Governor Chamroen confirmed that he has ordered the provincial committee investigating the riots to deliver its findings within 30 days.
“Vice Governor Chokdee Armonwat will join the new Thalang District Chief to head the team to investigate the riots very closely,” he said. “We do not want this situation to happen again in Phuket.”
Current Thalang District Chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol, however, will not play a part in the investigation. He has been transferred Satun province, where he is to take up the post of Deputy Governor.
“The Ministry of Interior announced my transfer on October 12,” Mr Veera told The Phuket News.
“My last day as Thalang District Chief is October 18, as I must take up my new position in Satun on October 19. This is because I have been promoted. It has nothing to with the riots at Thalang Police Station.
“I expect the new District Chief will be announced this week,” Mr Veera said.