The chief of Provincial Police Region 8 has been transferred to an inactive post to allow an inquiry into his alleged role in position-buying within the police force, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon confirmed on Tuesday.
He said Pol Lt Gen Thesa Siriwatho was transferred to the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre until further notice and a fact-finding committee would to look into the allegation.
The inquiry and transfer was ordered by national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda, effective June 12.
The order indicates that the transfer of Pol Lt Gen Thesa is for the purpose of maintaining effectiveness and order in the police force.
Pol Lt Gen Thanet Phinmuangngam, an assistant national police chief, is appointed as acting chief of Provincial Police Region 8.
Pol Lt Gen Thesa is believed to have close ties with Suthep Thaugsuban, the former leader of the disbanded People’s Democratic Reform Committee.
On Monday, deputy police spokesman Kritsana Pattanacharoen said Pol Gen Chakthip was aware of the position buying allegations and was not taking them lightly. Preliminary inquiries would first determine whether the claims were true, he said.
He was responding to former Democrat MP Witthaya Kaewparadai’s remarks that some officers failed to get promotion despite having paid for their desired positions.
Gen Prawit, however, on Monday expressed confidence the allegation was unfounded.
"I have confidence in my subordinates that everything is above-board," Gen Prawit was quoted as saying on Monday. If anyone was aware of any such wrongdoing they should report it.
"I have no idea how anyone could have bought positions. Deception would have to be a factor. Proper procedure is that appointments are proposed to the police chief," he said.
Mr Witthaya on Tuesday reaffirmed that his previous comments about police position brokering were true.