The new national police chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree issued a four-point policy statement yesterday, that included a promonarchy stance, in his inauguration ceremony at the Royal Thai Police compound.
"The monarchy shall be protected and honoured to the full, and not violated by anyone," he said, adding that this policy took immediate effect.
The second policy, to be set in train over the next six months, was to boost police performances so the force was "fully reliable" to the public.
"Police officers will be friendly and polite to people who seek help," he said. Interpersonal relationships between superiors and subordinates will be enhanced, and social activities held by police stations at least once a month.
The third policy with a oneyear implementation period was suppressing crime to a level at which people's lives would be little affected by crime, with public participation in crimebusting operations encouraged.
The fourth policy, that would take up to three years to achieve, was a major overhaul of the Royal Thai Police to "go forward in the right direction", with police methods and budgeting through new strategies and revised handbooks.
Housing welfare and other benefits would also be improved, he said.
Other key issues to be tackled were nepotism, interference by outside factors, and narcotics a problem he said was rampant.
Corrupt police would be the first to be arrested if found to be involved, he warned.
Wichean also unveiled the new RTP spokesman Pol MajGeneral Prawut Thawornsiri, and three deputies: Pol MajGenerals Worrathep Methawat, Piya Uthayo and Pol Colonel Phinit Maneerat, who all still hold their regular positions.
Asked about him being the seventh RTP commander, officially taking his post on the seventh day of the month, in a new office on the seventh floor of the main RTP building, he said: "It's just a coincidence."