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The measures were announced Friday afternoon by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjiajiva who insisted that the measures were initiated by the national police chief himself and that there were no evidences that Patcharawat obstructed the case.

The case of assassination attempt against Sondhi Limthongkul, a core leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, earlier led to widespread speculations that the national police chief would be sacked.

Reporters hounded Abhisit throughout the day until 4:30 pm after he earlier promised to announce a solution for the case and reported conflicts between Patcharawat and Deputy Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Thanee Somboonsap, the chief investigator of Sondhi’s case.

Abhisit said he earlier talked to Patcharawat and asked him to find out a solution so that the investigation of Sondhi’s case could go on.

The prime minister said the reported rifts in the Royal Thai Police and the upcoming annual reshuffle of senior officers seemed to tie the hands of the investigators.

Abhisit said Patcharawat came back to him earlier Friday and offered to take the leave and suspend the annual reshuffle.

The prime minister said Patcharawat has missions overseas so he will take the leave to carry out his mission.

The prime minister said the leave will start next week and will be long enough for the case to be concluded.

Abhisit said he has yet to consider the police law to see whether he or Patcharawat would have the power to assign an acting national police chief.

The prime minister said the annual reshuffle would be put on hold for the next police chief to review.

Patcharawat will retire in October.