During yesterday's meeting of the National Legislative Assembly, Charnchai said in response to a question from NLA member Samrarn Rodpetch that restructuring of the police force was aimed at restoring public confidence and shielding it from any political interference.

"Police should be at the service of the people. Police should be independent in their investigations and prosecutions. Ethics should be highlighted," he said, adding that the revamp would also ensure proper welfare for officers.

He said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had good intentions in initiating the process, while further discussions on reorganising the police force would be held.

Kittipong Kittayarak, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, who sits on the committee to reform the National Police, said the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had already agreed to dispatch officials to help with the effort.

"UNODC has provided similar assistance to many countries before. With their help, we can consult previous models and choose what is most appropriate for our case," he said.

The reform panel would focus on law enforcement authorities in Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom. Japan's police force was the most similar, he said.