Bangkok: Sarayut declined to clarify after being identified as being involved in receiving money to facilitate the transfer of Region 4 police officers, referring the matter to the National Police Chief. Meanwhile, Songsak, the new chairman of the Inspector General, said he was not aware of the matter and requested an internal discussion as it would affect the organization.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Songsak Saicheua, President of the Ombudsman, addressed the case of Mr. Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, President of the Crime Victims Assistance Association, disclosing a Line message purportedly from the National Police Chief discussing the transfer of police positions in Region 4 in 2024. The message read, “Because P’Oad asked me to coach him a lot,” and implied that “Oad” was Pol. Gen. Sarayut Sangwanphokhai, the former Commander of Provincial Police Region 4, who had submitted a transfer ticket to the National Police Chief. Pol. Gen. Sarayut currently serves as the Ombudsman. Mr. Songsak stated that he was not personally aware of the news, but if he received any information, he would proceed according to legal procedures. If there is clear factual information, the Ombudsman must proceed according to all legal procedures, in accordance with his duty.
When asked whether the accused should come forward and clarify the situation, Mr. Songsak replied, “Yes, but at the moment I don’t know the details. I’d like to review the information again.”
When asked if the mention of the Ombudsman’s involvement in the police transfer and position trading would impact the Ombudsman’s role as the body that oversees other agencies, Mr. Songsak stated that if there was no truthful or unsubstantiated information, he would have provided an explanation to the public. He stated that he was not yet aware of the matter, but would accept it and discuss it internally. He confirmed that he would definitely prioritize it, as he needed to assure the public that he was an organization with good governance and that he was prepared to be investigated.
Reporters stated that today, the Office of the Ombudsman held a ceremony to accept the royal command appointing a new Ombudsman, with Police General Sarayuth also attending. After the ceremony, reporters attempted to inquire about the facts of the matter and had an Ombudsman official coordinate an interview. Police General Sarayuth then instructed the official to “inquire with the National Police Commissioner.”