Bangkok: The national police chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, addressed concerns regarding the absence of police officials from a recent Special Case Committee (SCCC) meeting. He clarified that the police committee had not "abandoned" the meeting but was engaged in pressing duties.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat explained that he had delegated representatives since 2019 to attend the SCCC meetings, focusing on a case involving collusion in the selection of senators. He emphasized that he had been consistent in assigning deputy or assistant national police chiefs to represent him at these meetings. On the day of the recent meeting, he was engaged in monitoring security in the southern border provinces and officiating a royal cremation ceremony for fallen police officers.
When queried about future attendance, particularly for the upcoming March 6 meeting, Pol. Gen. Kittirat confirmed that representatives would continue to attend on his behalf. He noted that it is common for committee members to have overlapping important duties. Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma, another committee member, was similarly occupied with significant responsibilities.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat dismissed any allegations of lobbying within the NBTC board, asserting that there was no undue influence or pressure during the proceedings. He maintained that the absence was routine and not politically motivated. Furthermore, he stated he was unaware of any political implications arising from the meeting but had inquired about developments to be discussed in subsequent NESDB meetings.