A former key member of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is expected to withdraw her application today for a senior police post amid fierce opposition from across the force.
Chitpas "Tan" Kridakorn applied for a job in the Patrol and Special Operations Division (191) but sources say she is now likely to abandon her plan rather than suffer a further backlash from the force.
Many police opposed her appointment as they considered her role in the PDRC undermined the police institution.
Some police posted pictures on social media of Ms Chitpas riding on a backhoe as anti-government protesters attempted to break through a police cordon around the Metropolitan Police headquarters in early 2014.
Officers also expressed their dissatisfaction by tying ribbons on the antennas of their communication radios and the rear view mirrors of their motorcycles.
This photo of Ms Tan trying to break through the lines of police on a backhoe may have killed her chances of joining them. (File photo)
Division chief Panurat Lakboon said Sunday he was aware of her decision to apply and now believes she is likely to withdraw.
His division wants a capable female officer who is fluent in English to help it prepare for the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
The Metropolitan Police Bureau is recruiting candidates for the job. Its decision is subject to approval by the Royal Thai Police, he said.
National police chief Somyot Poompunmuang said consideration of Ms Chitpas' qualifications is underway.
"I will exercise my power according to the law to carefully consider this matter and to ensure justice for all concerned," he said.
The disgruntled police oppose Ms Chitpas's application because of her role in the PDRC, led by former Democrat Party key member Suthep Thaugsuban, against the then Yingluck Shinawatra administration during late 2013 and early 2014 prior to the military takeover of the Yingluck government on May 22 that year.
It was earlier reported Ms Chitpas had been interviewed for the post of deputy inspector of the General Staff of the Special Patrol and Operations Division.
Ms Chitpas, who is also a former Democrat Party candidate for Bangkok, holds a bachelor's degree from King's college, University of London.
She then gained a master's degree at Chulalongkorn University in public administration.