There will be a total of eight inspectors-general, two of whom will supervise police work in each of the four regions, said acting national police chief Seripisut Temiyavej. The decision will take effect on April 1.

The Police Commission also agreed to give priority to the promotion of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) with college degrees or higher instead of inviting fresh applicants from outside the police force.

There are now more than 40 NCOs who have passed the Bar and can enter the legal profession and another 40 with master's degrees in financial areas. There are 500 with master's degrees and 10,000 with bachelor's degrees.

The commission also approved the setting up of a special 15-member advisory body to assist the national police chief, his deputies and his assistants. It will be in charge of policy initiatives and implementing special or urgent police work.

The advisory body will be led by a police lieutenant general with two deputies and two assistants under him, and its members will have a minimum rank of police major general.

The Police Commission did

not consider approving a C-11 equivalent position attached to the Royal Thai Police for former national police chief Kowit Watana.

Since his dismissal last month Kowit has held a C-11 inactive post attached to the PM's Office.