Pol Lt Gen Amnuay Nimmano, the newly appointed adviser of Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, has decided not to take up the post after saying it would create a conflict of interest.
The former chief of Police Region 1 was due to assume the advisory role on Monday following his appointment by MR Sukhumbhand.
Pol Lt Gen Amnuay decided he could not take up the post as he is still the chairman of the Bangkok election committee, Wasan Meewong, an adviser and spokesman for MR Sukhumbhand, said yesterday.
He said it would not be appropriate for him to serve both the election commission and the Bangkok governor since the governor is an elected official, Mr Wasan said.
Procedure dictates that Pol Lt Gen Amnuay must write both an explanation and resignation letter and forward them to the governor for approval, Mr Wasan said.
He said MR Sukhumbhand is currently in the process of contacting other suitable candidates to take on the role.
They must be people with exceptional organisational skills and show they can help the city's residents.
Pol Lt Gen Amnuay was appointed to replace Pol Maj Gen Vichai Sangparpai, who tendered his resignation on Tuesday.
A Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) source said Pol Maj Gen Vichai's departure could affect City Hall's efforts to regulate street vendors since he played a major role in implementing the policy.
"Pol Maj Gen Vichai often toured streets and talked with vendors. Now he is no longer there, the work will be affected," the source said.
The new adviser should be able to demonstrate similar skills as Pol Maj Gen Vichai, the source said.
It is likely the new adviser will be a military or police officer, the source added.
The BMA is gearing up efforts to re-organise street vendors in areas near Wat Rakang, Bang Lamphu, Pak Khlong Talat, Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge and Soi Nana.