Police may cut Thaksin's rank

Police Maj General Panya Engchuan, commander of the force's Disciplinary Division, said yesterday his office had suggested to the personnel division on Monday (Jan 5) that Thaksin be deprived of his police rank.

He said the suggestion was in line with the regulations for police personnel.

Panya said that, according to the regular procedures, the personnel division was likely to refer the case to police commissioner-general Patcharawat Wongsuwan for further action.

Personnel division commander Police Maj General Chanapat Choeysombat said yesterday his office obtained the document from the disciplinary division on Wednesday. His office would spend a day or two looking at the matter before referring it to the national police chief.

In October, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Police Office Holders sentenced Thaksin to two years in jail in connection to the Ratchadaphisek land scandal. Thaksin's then-wife Pojaman successfully bid for a coveted plot of plot of land but the price she paid was lower than the market rate. The ex-premier did not appeal the verdict, but claimed it was politically motivated.