Yingluck will talk with NSC chief over transfer

Yingluck said she had found out via the media that Thawil threatened on Friday to file a complaint with the Central Administrative Court due to the reported change.

 "I will find some time to talk to Thawil, but I don't know when. Now I have to do my work first, then we will talk," she said.

Asked what she would do to prevent conflicts and negative impacts from the transfer, the PM said she had yet to discuss the move in detail and whether it was suitable.

Yingluck said the government was still considering what position Thawil should be put in.

Asked whether it is possible to move him to a post as permanent secretary of a ministry, as he had suggested, Yingluck said: "Today it is for each agency to consider and propose a reshuffle. Personally, I haven't pointed out where to move Thawil to."

On Friday, Thawil said his position would be equivalent to that of a permanent secretary, not an inspector-general at the PM's Office Ministry, which was the role he was reportedly to be given.

The row over the NSC chief's job stems from a move to make Priewpan Damapong - Thaksin's brother-in-law and Yingluck's cousin - head of the police.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on state officials to fight for justice if they are removed from posts unfairly. But Yingluck said the government would give priority to suitability for jobs and would always be fair to everyone.

Abhisit yesterday said no matter what the end result was at least one government official would face an impact from the transfer. And it had only taken place because the government wanted to give Police General Priewpan Damapong the job of national police chief.

Deputy national police chief Priewpan is the brother of Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra, ex-wife of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is Yingluck's brother.

"Yingluck's claim that it [the transfer] was Chalerm's decision was not true, as it is over a deputy premier's authority," Abhisit said.

"Moreover, did the transfer get approval from Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana, who is in charge of national security? Today, society can see everything is done 'according to orders'.

"This is how this government works. And the people need the prime minister to clarify, as the reshuffle for the national police chief post's resulted in the removal of the NSC secretary-general, although it is not time for a reshuffle," Abhisit said.

Yingluck said last week she trusted her deputy Chalerm Yoobamrung to consider who should replace Wichean as head of the police, after Wichean's alleged failure to crack down on gambling dens in Bangkok.

Chairman of the Office of the Civil Service Commission's ethics committee, Sarawut Menasawet, said if Thawil felt he was being removed unfairly, he could file a complaint against Chalerm after the transfer takes effect.

As well as considering the writ, the committee allows each side to clarify their position two times. It would consider the case fairly and without any pressure, Sarawut said, adding that if the committee's ruling did not satisfy a plaintiff, they could file a complaint with the Administrative Court afterwards.

Thawil said on Friday he would also seek assistance via regular channels with the Office of the Civil Service Commission's ethics committee.