The Retired Police Officers’ Club, led by RTP Association president, Pol Gen Winai Thongsong, submitted the letter to the national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, at the RTP headquarters yesterday (Nov 5), reports the Bangkok Post.
The letter, jointly endorsed by the RTP Association, the Police Cadet Academy Association, the Inquiry Official Association, and the Retired Police Officers’ Club, expressed concern over recent public statements and media interviews that allegedly distorted facts and damaged the image of the police force.
The controversy arose after activist Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Help Crime Victims Club, and former deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, made comments accusing some officers of involvement in online gambling and scam networks.
The four groups said such remarks have undermined public confidence in the police and called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the allegations.
They urged Pol Gen Kittharath to swiftly investigate and take strict disciplinary and criminal action against any individuals found guilty, while ensuring no protection for wrongdoers.
At the same time, they criticised Pol Gen Surachate for describing the police as “the largest criminal gang in Thailand”, saying that as a former senior officer, he should submit any evidence he holds to the authorities rather than publicly discrediting the entire force.
“If both individuals truly have clear evidence, they should hand it over to the Royal Thai Police so that action can be taken against any corrupt officers,” said Pol Gen Winai, adding that Pol Gen Surachate’s “claiming credit for himself while blaming others” seems to stem merely from disappointment over his removal from his position.