May the Force be with him - Bangkok Post

By Wassayos Ngarmkham
The heavy-handed working style of the new acting police chief Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej is shattering nerves and raising the stress level. His recent visit to Pattaya left police, especially those in Pattaya and the Region 2 Bureau overseeing all eastern provinces, feeling uneasy.

Although police at the Pattaya station and the regional bureau were able to arrest a suspect for the Feb 24 murder of two Russian women on Jomtien beach in just six days, their quick work did not impress the acting national police chief.

On the contrary, Pol Gen Seripisuth said officers of the regional bureau may be transferred. The bureau is under the command of detective guru Pol Lt-Gen Asawin Khwanmuang.

The warning was also intended for Pattaya police chief Pol Col Suthin Sappuang, who is a favourite of the regional commander and has been in charge of the resort city for just a few months.

The acting national police chief wants police to prevent crimes rather than wait for them to happen. He told police that he wanted Pattaya cleaned up.

Police can only shake their heads and sigh. They know Pol Gen Seripisuth is a man who likes to keep his word.

Late last month, Pol Gen Seripisuth issued lightning orders to transfer the traffic inspector of the Phlapphla Chai station and the deputy chief of traffic from the Thong Lor station to inactive posts at his office for 30 days because they turned a blind eye to vehicles violating parking bans in their areas, causing traffic congestion.

The order demonstrates the style of the acting police chief: exercise power for all to see.

Pol Gen Seripisuth is well-known for taking tough action against officers whom he considers ineffectual and undisciplined. This is why only a handful of officers can work closely with him.

Pol Gen Seripisuth, who is seen as a disciplinary figure, received a warm welcome from the public when he became acting police chief.

Public opinion polls conducted by private universities have shown that 70% of more than 6,000 people surveyed believe Pol Gen Seripisuth would ensure their safety and restore the prestige of the force.

However, police said those who know Pol Gen Seripisuth superficially would not understand him. Many police admit they are working under pressure because the chief is extremely strict and ready to axe them at any time.

His heavy-handed working style is backfiring on him.

Officers, especially outstanding detectives and crime suppression officers, are feeling discouraged, especially after Pol Gen Seripisuth warned Pol Lt-Gen Asawin, a leading detective.

They would like him to be less aggressive, do more to win their hearts and give outstanding officers a chance. For them, Pol Gen Seripisuth should adjust his leadership style by tempering the exercise of power with mercy.

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