He said he had moved quickly to quell tension as some taxpayers thought arresting the students was too harsh. Bang Kor Leam district director Duangporn Wattakavanit will replace Wanchai from Monday.

Wanchai arrested the 20 university students as they were posting fliers on March 26. He subsequently lodged a police complaint against them, citing violation of the city's cleanliness preservation law - for posting bills and campaigning in public places without permission.

"Although a fact-finding committee has been set up to oversee the case, [Wanchai's] removal will help restore normality," said Apirak, adding the incoming Khlong Toei director was female and might be able to rise above political uncertainties.

A source in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration yesterday said the governor wanted to prevent the matter from being linked with political issues, because the city governor is a Democrat, one of the parties that urged people not to vote in last Sunday's election.