Pongsapat can by law return to police force

The Pheu Thai Party leader explained yesterday that according to certain civil service and election laws, failed Bangkok governor candidate Pol General Pongsapat Pongcharoen could return to the police force.

Party leader Jarupong Ruang-suwan said that these laws upheld the Constitution, and besides, it was only fair that government officers be at the top of their position before retirement.

Police commission specialist Pol General Ajiravid Subarn-bhesajt said he believed Pong-sapat was mature enough to make the right choice, especially since he knows the society is watching him.

Meanwhile, on the Bangkok winner's side, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was not worried about governor-elect Sukhumbhand Paribatra not being endorsed by the Election Commission as he was confident that Sukhumbhand and his team had done nothing to violate the law.

Abhisit said that he did not believe that a supporter's comment referring to Pheu Thai taking the country over if voters did not opt for Sukhumbhand could be seen as framing the other party. However, he said, the Democrats were waiting for a summonses from the EC so they can provide their clarifications.

On Wednesday, the EC voted 3:1 to defer the endorsement of Sukhumbhand by a month, saying the candidate was being investigated over allegations that he caused a misunderstanding.

Democrat MP Boonyod Suktinthai yesterday called on the EC to apply the same standard as it had to the complaint he filed two years ago, accusing red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua of slandering the Democrat Party in the 2011 election campaign. In that case, the EC ruled that Nattha-wut's action was not unlawful because it was personal opinion.