Thawil to be moved to PM's OffIce
Prime Minister Yingluck denies charges of nepotism as govt awaits NSC chief's reaction to his transfer
The Cabinet yesterday announced that Thawil Pliansri would be transferred from his post as secretary-general at the National Security Council and appointed as adviser to the PM's Office. Thawil, whose transfer is awaiting royal endorsement, will be replaced by National Police chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree.
However, as advised by Bandhoon Supakavanich, secretary-general to the PM, Wichean's move has been put on hold to avoid legal squabbles in case Thawil fights his transfer as he threatened to do earlier.
The delay tactic could be related to the ruling party Pheu Thai's plans to put Pol General Priewpan Damapong, brother of Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Pojaman na Pombejra, in Wichean's post.
Thawil is scheduled to issue a statement on his transfer and tell the public as to whether or not he would seek a court injunction on his transfer.
Government House sources said that once Thawil's transfer is royally endorsed, Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana, who is in charge of the Royal Thai Police, would submit documents confirming Wichean's appointment as the new NSC chief.
Yingluck said yesterday that Thawil had the right to take his transfer to court, but dismissed media reports that the move was being made to put Priewpan in the top police post because of his relationship with Thaksin.
"Please don't look at it that way. A new government needs the right people in the right jobs to deliver results," she said, adding that this was the season for reshuffles and every step was being taken to ensure that Thawil's move followed existing regulations.
Meanwhile, Wichean yesterday took five days of personal leave, before leaving on a week-long official trip to China. He said he would extend his leave after September 18 if his appointment as the new NSC chief was not completed by then.
Banharn Silapa-archa, chief adviser to coalition partner Chat Thai Pattana Party, said he supported the reshuffle of key officials as the new government settles down.
The Cabinet yesterday also approved the transfer of a number of senior officials at the Natural Resources and Environment and Agriculture ministries. The reshuffle saw five departments under the Agriculture Ministry having new directors-general.
