The Office of Police Forensic Science issued an order yesterday dismissing Pol Colonel Ritthirong Thepchanda from the civil service as a result of his conduct at the anti-Thaksin demonstration on August 21 at the shopping mall, police spokesman Colonel Ronnarong Yangyuen said.

After Ritthirong signs to acknowledge the order, he would have 30 days to appeal to the National Police and he could seek a reversal of the order from the Administration Court within 90 days, Ronnarong said.

The National Counter Corruption Commission earlier ruled that Ritthirong failed to pro?tect innocent people during fights between supporters and opponents of Thaksin at the shop?ping centre.

Instead, he told his officers to arrest protestors Vichai Ua-piyaphan and Ritthirong Likhitprasertkul, leading to an assault on both men by the officers and some of Thaksin's supporters.