National police chief not going before retirement

The national police chief today rejected widespread rumours that he will quit before reaching the compulsory retirement age this September.

Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol said he is putting his best efforts into fulfilling his duties and has no plans to resign.

Torsak and one of his deputies, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, were ordered transferred to the PM’s Office by the prime minister on March 20, pending the outcome of an investigation into their apparent conflict.

On the same day, an order was issued by the acting police chief to place Surachate under investigation, followed by another order removing him from the police force.

Last month, Torsak was reinstated as the national police chief, but the Police Commission affirmed the decision to remove Surachate from the force.

Torsak reiterated his claim that he has no personal conflict with Surachate.