Police General Seripisut Temiyavej has been officially appointed national police chief after Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont signed a transfer order yesterday.

He has been acting commander since February 8.

Suspended chief Kowit Watana has been appointed chief adviser on internal security to the government.

In endorsing the new police boss, Surayud said Seripisut had dedicated himself to his job since being appointed and was expected to perform well.

Seripisut took over all responsibilities from Kowit when the latter was transferred to an inactive civilian post attached to the Prime Minister's Office.

A Police Commission meeting in February did not promote Seripisut to the top post initially for unknown reasons, despite efforts by Surayud - who chaired that meeting.

Surayud said the order was effective retroactively and Police Commission approval for Seripisut was not required.

Council for National Security (CNS) chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Seripisut would soon be appointed an assistant CNS secretary-general - the same post still held by Kowit since the September coup.

Kowit was content with the move. He was prepared to follow any lawful orders. "I feel no stress or worry. It's fine by me," he said.

Sonthi reportedly wanted Kowit - a close friend and a classmate in their military academy years - to continue to hold the PM's Office post until his retirement in October. Sonthi and Surayud reportedly resolved their differences over this.