Chitpas' police application in doubt (Updated)
There is still no report that Chitpas "Tan" Kridakorn has withdrawn her application for a position in the Thai police force, but obstacles to her appointment have emerged.
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Tuesday morning update
There is still no report that Chitpas "Tan" Kridakorn has withdrawn her application for a position the Thai police force, but obstacles to her appointment have emerged.
Bangkok Post reporter King-oua Laohong reports this morning that Police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said yesterday candidates who have had an arrest warrant issued against them, as she has, are disqualified from joining the force. She also has criminal charges filed against her for her role in anti-government protests.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) asked a court to issue Ms Chitpas with the warrant in May 2014 over her role in the PDRC street protests in Bangkok.
Chitpas "Tan" Kridakorn has much experience in public speaking. APICHART JINAKUL
Chitpas' incomplete resumé
Ms Chitpas has a bachelor's degree from King's College, University of London and a master's degree at Chulalongkorn University in public administration. PHRAKRIT JUNTAWONG
The Police Patrol and Special Operations Division (191) is looking for a capable female officer who is fluent in English to help it prepare for the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
One young lady who has applied for the job would appear to have the necessary qualifications. She has a bachelor's degree from King's College, University of London and a master's degree at Chulalongkorn University in public administration.
She is also very experienced in public speaking and is comfortable talking to the media.
One thing that Chitpas "Tan" Kridakorn probably left off her resumé, however, when she applied for the job is that she is also experienced in confronting the police force. She was frequently sighted leading People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) demonstrations against the then Yingluck Shinawatra administration during late 2013 and early 2014.
In one particularly famous incident she even climbed on a backhoe as anti-government protesters attempted to break through a police cordon around the Metropolitan Police headquarters in early 2014.
Many police officers were understandably incensed when they learned Ms Chitpas was being considered for the job, tying black ribbons on the antennas of their communication radios and the rear-view mirrors of their motorcycles as a symbol of their displeasure.
This photo of Ms Tan trying to break through the police lines a backhoe has made her application for a police job rather awkward. (File photo)
National police chief Somyot Poompunmuang has admitted consideration of Ms Chitpas' qualifications is underway, but Division chief Panurat Lakboon said Sunday he now believes she is likely to withdraw her application.
Sources say that could come as early as today.