Prawut has returned to Thailand: Chakthip

National police chief General Chakthip Chaijinda said Monday that Prawut, who was just recently replaced as spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, had called to tell him that he already came back from an overseas trip.

“He told me not to tell the media, as he came back a few days before his scheduled return on November 1,” Chakthip said.

The police chief also said that Prawut did not tell him whether he wanted to resign the police force and seek an early retirement, as had been speculated.

Prawut is now a senior adviser responsible for traffic and technology affairs, according to Chakthip. He added that according to the police force’s regulations, any officer who fails to show up for work for more than 15 consecutive days will be fired.