By Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
Published on August 12, 2009
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday passed the buck to his deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, when asked about the national police chief being sent on a new mission in the restive deep South.

Abhisit rejected reports that he had given General Patcharawat Wongsuwan this yet-to-be-identified task, saying that Suthep had only informed him that the police chief would be assigned to the South shortly.

"I told you that I had learned he [Patcharawat] would perform some tasks in the South. I did not make the order," Abhisit said.

The prime minister also said he did not know any details about the task. "I understand that the deputy prime minister in charge of police affairs [Suthep] will report to me about this," he added.

Patcharawat said yesterday that he intended to travel to
Suthep confirms police chief being sent to restive region; hints he may not return to Bangkok before Sept
the deep South to examine the work of local police and oversee security measures for the upcoming Asean summit in the southern province of Phuket.

Appearing tense while speaking to reporters in his office at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, he confirmed that he would begin his work in the deep South after Her Majesty the Queen's birthday today.

Meanwhile, Suthep confirmed yesterday that the police chief was being dispatched to the deep South, saying: "Patcharawat will go to the South after his leave of absence comes to an end on August 14."

The police chief cut short his visit to China and returned earlier than expected, and on Monday he sent memos to his bosses and subordinates, telling them that he had resumed his work as police chief.

However, Suthep said yesterday that Patcharawat would not be involved in the running of the Royal Thai Police because he would be focusing on solving the backlog of insurgency-related cases in the strife-torn region.

The deputy premier said that following his assignment in the three southern provinces, Patcharawat would supervise the preparations for the Asean summit scheduled for October. He also hinted that the national police chief might not return to Bangkok before his mandatory retirement in September.

The government is expected to have General Vichien Pojphosri to resume his job as caretaker police chief. Vichien was doing the caretaker's job until Patcharawat abruptly returned from China on Saturday night.

Before yesterday's Cabinet meeting began, the prime minister seated himself next to Patcharawat's brother, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, and they were seen chatting for 15 minutes. Prawit later left the room and did not return to attend the Cabinet meeting.

Suthep and the prime minister's secretary-general, Nipon Phrompan, were among the well-wishers at Prawit's birthday party yesterday, where they presented him with a bouquet of flowers from Abhisit.