Charge either the cops or Chuwit

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung says that if he punishes policemen in charge of areas where MP Chuwit has exposed illegal gambling dens, it will damage the cops' morale - unless the police concerned are found to have benefited from the illegal activities.

DPM Chalerm, you were a police lieutenant and boast a PhD in law, yet evidently you've forgotten that the prime duty of the police is to serve and protect the citizenry. You've evidently also forgotten that dereliction of duty is a serious offence. Thus, if cops claim they didn't know about major illegal activities that were so obvious that MP Chuwit could provide alleged credible evidence of their flourishing literally under the cops' noses, the generals have clearly failed to do their duty - even if they didn't get bribed to be deaf and dumb.

The government must swiftly follow up on Chuwit's claim. If the proof is fake, then take Chuwit to court, but if it is found to be credible, Chalerm must bring legal action against the generals in charge for dereliction of duty. To do otherwise would be to damage the morale of any honest cop, damage society, and cause we the people to wonder why you don't protect us.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok