Chiang Mai provincial police chief Krit Kittilue was transferred to another post on Sunday, making him the ninth high-ranking police officer to be sidelined due to their connections with the Thaksin regime.
Pol Maj Gen Krit was moved to the office of commissioner of Region 5 Provincial Police Bureau and would work there until further notice, according to the order issued late on Sunday evening.
The transfer order was signed by Pol Lt Gen Wanchai Thanatkij, assistant police chief, who was appointed acting commissioner of Region 5 when eight commissioner-level officers seen as loyal to Thaksin, including Metropolitan Police chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, were moved to inactive posts at the Royal Thai Police Office.
Reports said Third Region army commander Lt Gen Preecha Chan-ocha, a brother of army chief and coup leader Gen Prayuth, submitted a letter to Pol Lt Gen Wanchai accusing the Chiang Mai police chief of using his authority to support and facilitate Thaksin’s only son, Panthongtae, and suggesting he be removed from his position.