Bangkok: The National Police Chief has ordered the dismissal of the Provincial Police Commander of Tak Province following reports of criminals exploiting the area as a channel for illegal border crossings. The decision comes as part of a broader initiative to address security concerns and prevent human trafficking activities in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, issued an order from the Royal Thai Police Office, assigning officers to substitute roles. The decision was prompted by media reports indicating that tourists had been deceived by scammers in Thailand and subsequently vanished at the Myanmar border. Additionally, instances of unauthorized border crossings through natural channels in Mae Sot and Mae Ramat districts, within Tak Province, have raised suspicions of human trafficking activities. These incidents occurred under the jurisdiction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Samrit Emkamol, the now-dismissed Commander of Tak Provincial Police.
The Provincial Police Region 6 responded by establishing a fact-finding committee to investigate the case. They have ordered the police officers at the superintendent level from the three implicated police stations to temporarily relocate to the Provincial Police Region 6 Operations Center, removing them from their previous positions.
Subsequently, the Royal Thai Police Office appointed a separate fact-finding committee, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Samrit Emkamol, to thoroughly examine the circumstances and initial evidence to determine any potential disciplinary misconduct among the police officers involved.
Concerned about the potential impact on the nation's image and the Royal Thai Police, and amid suspicions of police misconduct or criminal offenses, the decision was made to reassign Pol. Maj. Gen. Samrit Emkamol. This move aims to ensure an efficient and impartial fact-finding process while preventing any potential damage to the government.
In accordance with Sections 63 and 105 of the Royal Thai Police Act B.E. 2565, alongside regulations from the Royal Thai Police Office, Pol. Maj. Gen. Samrit Emkamol has been reassigned to assist at the Royal Thai Police Office Operations Center. Pol. Maj. Gen. Rawiphon Amornmuniphong, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 6, will assume the role of Commander of Tak Provincial Police in another capacity.
The order specifies that any conflicting assignments should be revoked, with the current order taking precedence until further notice.