Wichean to be moved to top job at NSC

His successor would be selected from three current deputy chiefs: Pol Generals Phanuphong Singhara na Ayutthaya, Praphawat Pansiri and Priewpan Damapong, who is the brother of Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra, the exwife of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Wichean was initially expected to be transferred as permanent secretary to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, but the NSC's top job was proposed instead and eventually approved after a round of meetings and discussions between Yingluck, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and the senior Pheu Thai Party leadership.

Asked where incumbent NSC chief Thawil Pliansri would go, Chalerm said: "If I were him, I would submit a request initiating a transfer. As he was the head of the [previous] government centre [during its crackdown of redshirt protests last May], what government would want him afterwards?"

Thawil earlier said he had no problem about being replaced by Wichean, but appeared uncertain over whether regulations might prevent his replacement during a governmental transition. "I am not sure whether my post is one of those [subฌject to restrictions]," he said.

Asked whether he would appeal against his dismissal to the Central Administrative Court, Thawil said: "I don't think so."

Speaking outside Parliament, Yingluck denied that Wichean had been bullied into accepting the transfer, saying Priewpan was a good candidate with the right level of seniority.

The prime minister, who is Thaksin's sister, said she did not intervene in the affairs of the police, adding that she would deal with the matter further only after the Royal Thai Police processed the transfer in two weeks' time. Asked if the reshufฌfle didn't appear to echo Pheu Thai's election promise of "Resolving but no revenge", Yingluck did not respond.

Yingluck is expected to sign the transfer order on Wednesday, a year to the day since Wichean's term began. Pol General Chalor Choowong, a deputy National Police chief, is expected to serve as acting chief for a week until a meeting of the Police Commission, which is expected to choose the new National Police chief from among the three candidates.

Chalerm and fellow Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana reportedly differed over the NSC's top post being offered to Wichean, before lobbying by Pheu Thai leadership eventually led to the decision that Wichean would replace Thawil.

Wichean is reportedly pleased with being offered the NSC position, which is preferable to the one at the Tourism and Sports Ministry, because it is considered to be of greater importance and will enable him to maintain some say in the Royal Thai Police; a place on the Police Commission is reserved for an NSC secretarygeneral.

Chalor, who is close to Thaksin, is now serving in a civilian post at the PM's Office Ministry, where he was moved at the order of the government during the redshirt protests. After winning permission from the Central Administrative Court recently, Chalor is heading to back the Royal Thai Police and will serve as acting National Police chief for the sevenday period following Wichean's departure.

Former police chief Phatcharawat Wongsuwan said the Police Commission regulations should be amended to prevent political influence and interference in the appointment of National Police chiefs and other senior positions.