Shock transfer of police chief

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan was Friday removed as the national police chief and seconded to an inactive post at the PM's Office.

The government appointed police inspector-general Pol Gen Prateep Tanprasert as caretaker police commissioner-general.

Phatcharawat's removal came less then 24 hours after the police were made to lead state of emergency operations to dislodge anti-government protesters from the Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.

Inevitably, the removal revived rumours about a military coup, as speculation revolved around whether Army chief Anupong Paochinda would be the next transfer target.

The Army has shown reluctance to be engaged in any drastic action against the PAD, and, according to the state of emergency declaration, the Army's role was very limited in its implementation.

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-kue, speaking to reporters, confirmed the removal.

Phatcharawat became police chief during the Samak government. Known for his anti-Thaksin stand, he was one of the political focuses during the October 7 bloodbath. He was reportedly left out of the decision-making process when the government decided to use drastic action against People's Alliance for Democracy protesters when they were marching from government House to Parliament.

Phatcharawat joined Anupong and the other armed forces leaders when they went on TV to deplore the bloodbath. Anupong called on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to "show responsibility" during the TV appearance.