"How can they say that the annual reshuffle is unfair when I haven't even received it? Some people are just hot-headed and desperate to get promoted," he said.

Defence Permanent Secretary General Sirichai Thanyasiri will head the team to investigate the four officers for filing false statements.

The four officers are Lt-General Wissanu Prayoonsorn, Rear Admiral Itthichai Sripan and Air Vice Marshals Surakit Chantornsen and Prasit Thanaken.

Prasit said he would submit more evidence to Prem today to emphasise the caretaker government had no right to transfer officials without Election Commission approval under Article 215 of the Constitution.

Prasit defended the complaint, saying he had served the country for more than 30 years and knew what he should do. "I am a general with a conscience. General Prem said you do not need to respect rich people who earn their money dishonestly. Many senior figures have shown their courage by coming out to criticise. Do not keep mum,'' he said.

He said many military officials had signed their names in support of his group's complaint to Prem.