The national police chief has ordered Special Branch Police (SBP) to withdraw its officers assigned to provide security for politicians if the practice is not in line with regulations, a police spokesman says.
A photo of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra being guarded by police officer, Pol Col Wathanyu Watcharapalothai, is being shared widely on social media.
The move follows growing criticism about the deployment of Pol Col Wathanyu Watcharapalothai as a security officer for former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He began serving as Ms Yingluck's security escort before she left power.
Pictures of Pol Col Wathanyu, assistant duty officer attached to the deputy police chief, accompanying Ms Yingluck including at a department store and during the recent search of her motorcade in Chiang Mai have been shared widely on social media. Some people argue his assignment is inappropriate.
Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri, assistant national police chief and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said police chief Pol Gen Somyot Pumpunmuang is concerned about the criticism and has instructed the SBP to look into cases of police or retired officers serving as bodyguards to politicians.
He said if it turns out that requests by politicians or VIPs for police protection are not in line with regulations or deemed inappropriate, those personnel will be withdrawn.
Pol Lt Gen Prawut said the deployment of police on special protection duty has been authorised by others, not by Pol Gen Somyot.
He said the Royal Thai Police (RTP) will review criteria involving the deployment of police as security personnel for politicians to establish a standard practice.
Pol Lt Gen Prawut said officials need to explain the circumstances in which Pol Col Wathanyu was sent to Ms Yingluck.
Pol Col Wathanyu was said to be part of Ms Yingluck's entourage when she saw her brother Thaksin Shinawatra in Europe in July last year to celebrate his birthday. He also guarded her when she went on holiday in Japan in October and saw her brother there.
Somchai Sawaengkarn, a member of the National Legislative Assembly, says he wants the Royal Thai Police to explain why Pol Col Wathanyu is still assigned to Ms Yingluck.
This was contrary to a RTP order prohibiting its personnel from joining activities with politicians and influential persons, he added.