Thailand: Commentary - Pol. Gen. Vasit had monumental task to reform police force.

(From Thai Press Reports)

Section: Commentary - Bangkok Post - Nobody doubts that Pol Gen Vasit has been given a monumental task in reforming the very 'entrenched' police force / Media professionals say the 'Government House Hotline' lacks new information to keep the public tuned in / The Airports of Thailand president is in an unenviable position these days.

Nobody questions the calibre of retired police general Vasit Dejkunjorn, who has been picked by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to take the leading role in reforming the police force.

He is well respected by colleagues and subordinates. Even those who do not know him personally are aware of his clean image and strong-willed discipline. He is expected to overhaul the image of the police force, which has been tainted by scandals of corruption, ineffectiveness and political interference.

His police reform committee held its debut meeting last week, and that has set the direction for what it will do in the near future.

The first thing the panel wants to do is give regional police the authority to finalise their own reshuffle list, as part of an effort to reform the police bureau.

The proposed plan, if approved, will give senior police officers in regional offices more power to reshuffle …