KALASIN: The superintendent of Muang district police of this northeastern province has been transferred for alleged neglect of duty allowing public disorder during the Songkran Festival.
The transfer order was issued by Pol Maj Gen Montree Charanpong, the provincial police chief, at 11pm on Saturday. It requires Pol Col Ratchapol Sermsaran, chief of Muang district police station, to report to work at the provincial police operation centre by 4pm on Sunday.
Pol Maj Gen Montree said he issued the transfer order because at about 9pm on Saturday he was informed by the organising committee of the Songkran Festival of the Muang Kalasin Municipality that groups of teenagers had begun brawling at two spots on Anakkhanak Road, the main festival ground, causing public disorder and heavy traffic congestion.
On being informed of the incidents, Pol Maj Gen Montree said he went to the scene to resolve the situation. He made a telephone call to determine Pol Capt Ratchapol's whereabouts and learned that the Muang police chief was away dining with friends in Khon Kaen.
This was tantamount to failing to perform the duty of maintaining law and order, damaging the reputation of the province as a whole, the provincial police chief said.
Contacted by telephone by reporters, Pol Col Ratchapol said he respected his superior's order and would report to the provincial police operation centre on Sunday afternoon.
