Bangkok: The national police chief has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on drug trafficking, aligning with government directives. The initiative mandates visible results within three months, though the chief did not specify whether he would stake his position on this outcome, affirming instead his commitment to the initiative.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, presided over a meeting of the Narcotics Control and Suppression Center of the Royal Thai Police. The primary objective of the meeting was to implement the government's urgent policy under the theme "NO Drugs NO Dealers", as articulated by Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The directive calls for the eradication of drugs across the nation within a three-month timeframe.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat emphasized that all government bodies, particularly the administrative and police sectors, must rigorously enforce this policy. The meeting laid out clear implementation steps for commanders and police forces nationwide, divided into three phases. Phase 1 involves an 'X-ray' of the area by the end of the month, in collaboration with administrative sectors, to intensify the search and arrest of small-scale dealers, medium-sized dealers, and users. There will be lockdowns, inspections, arrests, asset seizures, and strict law enforcement.
Phase 2, slated for August, will be a joint operation with the administration to 're-x-ray' using data from the first phase to expand arrest results and continuously integrate drug users into treatment processes. Phase 3 in September will focus on evaluating community satisfaction and overall performance to declare 'drug-free communities' or 'white communities'.
The national police chief underscored that good performance would be rewarded and poor performance punished, with fairness as a guiding principle. Decisions will be based on facts and information, ensuring clear steps and methods for the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, including searches, arrests, law enforcement, and evaluations.
Additionally, the National Police Chief plans to collaborate with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to streamline joint operations. He stressed the importance of clear guidelines to prevent confusion among implementers. The operation is viewed as strict and decisive, with evaluations determining future promotions and compensations for officers. Procedures for punishing or transferring non-compliant officers are already in place.
The chief clarified that performance assessment would not be based on the quantity of evidence seized but rather on dedication to fulfilling government policy, including searches, network expansion, and money laundering investigations. This comprehensive crackdown aims to conclude within the stipulated three-month period.
This policy will influence criteria for upcoming annual appointments and transfers, affecting all ranks from Police Major General to Police General, with considerations based on seniority, knowledge, and ability.
When questioned about using his 'position as collateral', the national police chief expressed surprise but assured the media of his full commitment to the initiative.