PHUKET: The new Commander of Police on Phuket is married to a notable member of high society in Bangkok, a woman of remarkable achievement whose family owns the capital's MBK retail outlet.
Major General Chonsit Wadhnawarangkun has a distinguished police career but would probably quickly agree that his wife Gobkan - nickname ''Nong'' - has an even more remarkable CV. It includes being hailed as a national and global business leader, philanthropist and author.
The use of private jets (and probably yachts) is likely to be a feature of their stay on Phuket, especially when they need to commute to Bangkok. The couple have two young children and are likely to be feted by Phuket's social set.
Phuketwan revealed as long ago as December 22 that Major General Pekad Tantipong was moving after more than two years as the island's top cop.
However, it wasn't until after a 1pm to 4.30am session involving Deputy PM Chalerm Ubumrung that his successor became known today.
Other provincial police commanders are also being shuffled, with former Phuket Police Commander Major General Apirak Hongthong moving from Region 8 Headquarters in Surat Thani to take charge in Phang Nga, north of Phuket.
Talk in social and government circles on Phuket for weeks from now will centre on the new commander and his wife, given their elite standing in Bangkok. Major General Chonsit takes up the position from tomorrow, although first there are likely to be discussions at Region 8 HQ.
Watching for signs of changes in approach will be Phuket's honorary consuls, who have come to rely on Phuket's Police Commander as the go-to man for information about serious cases involving expats - either as victims or perpetrators.
Major General Pekad has been aware of the need to talk to the leaders of Phuket's growing international community and his replacement is likely to be equally generous with his time and energy.
Optimists would view the appointment of Major General Chonsit as a recognition by the national government of the importance of Phuket. He moves to Phuket from Songkhla.
The new appointments now await only the imprimatur of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Further changes among senior police at Phuket's eight local stations are likely to be announced in mid-January, probably with the involvement of Major General Chonsit.
It is known that at least 18 senior police have applied for appointment to the important and ever-fascinating job of superintendent of Kathu Police Station, which oversees Phuket's nightlife capital, Patong.
Phuket is changing in every regard with the exception of a much-needed rise in the number of police officers and the approach to chronic problems. Perhaps the new appointment is a positive sign.
Major General Pekad will move to a new posting in Bangkok.
He made a favorable impression by taking part in a Thai boxing bout for charity, admitting that he wasn't wearing a seat belt when he dislocated a hip in a car crash, and even proving he was human by having his own home in Surat Thani robbed of about one million baht.
Major General Chonsit Wadhnawarangkun has a distinguished police career but would probably quickly agree that his wife Gobkan - nickname ''Nong'' - has an even more remarkable CV. It includes being hailed as a national and global business leader, philanthropist and author.
The use of private jets (and probably yachts) is likely to be a feature of their stay on Phuket, especially when they need to commute to Bangkok. The couple have two young children and are likely to be feted by Phuket's social set.
Phuketwan revealed as long ago as December 22 that Major General Pekad Tantipong was moving after more than two years as the island's top cop.
However, it wasn't until after a 1pm to 4.30am session involving Deputy PM Chalerm Ubumrung that his successor became known today.
Other provincial police commanders are also being shuffled, with former Phuket Police Commander Major General Apirak Hongthong moving from Region 8 Headquarters in Surat Thani to take charge in Phang Nga, north of Phuket.
Talk in social and government circles on Phuket for weeks from now will centre on the new commander and his wife, given their elite standing in Bangkok. Major General Chonsit takes up the position from tomorrow, although first there are likely to be discussions at Region 8 HQ.
Watching for signs of changes in approach will be Phuket's honorary consuls, who have come to rely on Phuket's Police Commander as the go-to man for information about serious cases involving expats - either as victims or perpetrators.
Major General Pekad has been aware of the need to talk to the leaders of Phuket's growing international community and his replacement is likely to be equally generous with his time and energy.
Optimists would view the appointment of Major General Chonsit as a recognition by the national government of the importance of Phuket. He moves to Phuket from Songkhla.
The new appointments now await only the imprimatur of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Further changes among senior police at Phuket's eight local stations are likely to be announced in mid-January, probably with the involvement of Major General Chonsit.
It is known that at least 18 senior police have applied for appointment to the important and ever-fascinating job of superintendent of Kathu Police Station, which oversees Phuket's nightlife capital, Patong.
Phuket is changing in every regard with the exception of a much-needed rise in the number of police officers and the approach to chronic problems. Perhaps the new appointment is a positive sign.
Major General Pekad will move to a new posting in Bangkok.
He made a favorable impression by taking part in a Thai boxing bout for charity, admitting that he wasn't wearing a seat belt when he dislocated a hip in a car crash, and even proving he was human by having his own home in Surat Thani robbed of about one million baht.
Wonderful news. I hope he will keep the terribly low-class tourists out of Phuket who have swept like a plague over this island in recent years (I'm talking about the tattooed lager louts) by making it illegal for any hotel to charge less than 3000 baht a night.
Posted by Sir Marmaduke on December 26, 2011 23:22