The quick rise of a former beauty pageant contestant, who went from a police lance corporal to a police captain in less than two years, has raised suspicions over patronage in the police force.

According to a post on the "Phuen Tamruat" Facebook page on Thursday, many civilians, including high-profile individuals and celebrities, become commissioned police officers each year and get promoted to a high rank soon after attending a 17-week training course.

The post said one female civilian-turned-commissioned police officer started as a police lance corporal in late 2021, only to be promoted to sub-lieutenant two months later.

She became a police lieutenant in June last year and then a police captain earlier this month, the post said.

The post urged Move Forward Party spokesman Rangsiman Rome to push for a formal investigation into the alleged patronage in the police and misuse of the training course.

While many low-ranking officers find it difficult to become commissioned officers, these civilians pass the course instantly to become one, he said.

Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong of the national police said the promotion of the female police officer was strictly in line with Royal Thai Police requirements.