The Thai House Committee on Foreign Affairs has taken the government to task over its failure to block the promotion of a senior police officer, reported the Bangkok Post Saturday. Puea Thai MP Torpong Chaiyasarn, who chairs the committee, said a statement issued Friday by the Saudi embassy criticising the appointment of Somkid Boonthanom as assistant national police chief highlighted a lapse in duty by the government. He said Pol Lt Gen Somkid's promotion should have been reviewed by the prime minister, according to Prime Minister's Office regulations. In its statement, the Saudi embassy said Pol Lt Gen Somkid's promotion could seriously jeopardize efforts to normalize relations between the two countries. The embassy also questioned assertions made by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who chairs the Police Commission, that Pol Lt Gen Somkid had been cleared by the commission of any wrongdoing in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of Saudi businessman Mohammad Al-Ruwaili in 1990. The embassy noted that Pol Lt Gen Somkid and four other officers have been indicted in the case, with the first hearing set for Nov 25. Despite the indictment, Pol Lt Gen Somkid has been allowed to continue on active duty in contravention of the National Police Act, Mr Torpong said. He said said the government must carefully consider the matter or risk severing the country's relationship with Saudi Arabia. “There are a lot of aspects to consider in a reshuffle, not just one's own personal interest,” he said. Torpong said the Saudi embassy's reaction to Pol Lt Gen Somkid's promotion to the rank of full general was understandable. However, government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn defended the officer's promotion. “We want to assure them [Saudi Arabia] that all appointments closely adhere to legal procedure, and have taken into account pertinent court rulings. “I believe that the Saudi government would understand this and so we can cooperate and continue to resolve all these cases.” He said the Foreign Ministry was explaining the situation to Saudi representatives.
