A PROMOTION is taking the police colonel who masterminded the ''100 percent helmet'' campaign on Phuket in a move north to Ranong, where he will be Deputy Commander.

The move is one of three changes that will bring new leaders to three Phuket police stations.

Colonel Wanchai Eakpornpit, chosen as the Phuketwan/Phuket Post Phuket Person of the Year 2010 for his strategy for saving lives, made a big impression in more than two years as Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station.

As well as developing a strategy for encouraging more people to wear helmets on Phuket, Colonel Wanchai led the successful pursuit of the mysterious bearded stranger who killed Karon bar hostess Wanpen Pianchai, biding his time and then arresting American Ronald Fanelli.

Today he thanked his boss, Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong, the governor, island leaders and the media for contributing to the success of the helmet campaign, which is likely to be introduced nationwide.

''Mediation is another good idea,'' he said. ''It saves a lot of time and often achieves a successful resolution of cases that would otherwise slow down the court system.''

Replacing the colonel at Phuket City will be Colonel Chote Chitchai, from Kaper in Ranong.

In the other moves, Colonel Witoon Kongsudjai moves from Cherng Talay to the top job at Thalang, while Thalang deputy Colonel Jirasak Samesak takes over at Cherng Talay.