Seripisut's transfer a lenient order: PM

Samak said transfer was the least stern option open to him in paving the way for disciplinary proceedings against Seripisut.

"I looked after my police subordinates when I was interior minister, and as prime minister I am still taking care of my policemen," he said.

Samak did not say what kind of punishment Seripisut deserved. However, the strongest punishment a state official can face is dismissal.

Despite the transfer enforced on Friday, Seripisut continued working as police chief yesterday. He flew to Narathiwat to open a biodiesel plant at the provincial police station there and visited subordinates in Pattani.

Seripisut, now transferred to an inactive post at the Office of the Prime Minister, said he would meet Samak tomorrow to discover the reasons for his transfer and learn more of the disciplinary investigation against him. He denies all charges.

"Throughout my life as a police officer I have faced transfer five times. For me, transfers are normal. If you want to know whether it is related to politics, you had better ask the prime minister," he said.

Seripisut said he was in good spirits and he saw the legal process as a way to clear his name.

Seripisut has been seconded to the Prime Minister's Office pending disciplinary investigation on three charges, including alleged involvement in a Bt9-billion contract to lease police vehicles.

Samak expects a lengthy investigation due to the complex nature of the issues involved.

Attorney General Chaikasem Nitisiri will return from a visit to Japan on Tuesday and head the disciplinary panel, he said.

Samak will rebut a People's Alliance for Democracy claim he removed Seripisut to pave way for the promotion of General Prieowpan Damapong.

Prieowpan is the brother-in-law of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and has been seconded from the police service to the Prime Minister's Office following the September 19 coup.

Acting national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan will form a panel tomorrow to review police assignments approved by Seripisut.

Before his transfer, Seripisut gave the green light to a mass reshuffle of police officers across the country, which many claimed caused confusion.

Southern Professional Teachers Confederation chairman Pairat Wihakarat said civic groups in the South will submit a petition to His Majesty the King as a way to redress what he said was the unjustified transfer of Seripisut.

"The government has acted contrary to its pledge to forge reconciliation," he said.

The Nation