Seripisut out, Patcharawat in

Samak said that he would comment on the matter at an appropriate time. He has neither denied nor confirmed the issue. He spoke right before departing for his official visit to Laos.

The speculation about the abrupt transfer happened a day following the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is reportedly pushing for the promotion of his brotherinlaw Lt General Preowpan Damapong.

Seripisut was promoted to his job following the ousting of Thaksin. Preowpan has been seconded from the police service to the Prime Minister's Office since the September 19 coup. He called on Thaksin on Thursday's evening before the transfer of Seripisut was released to the public.

Patcharawat is expected to work in the caretaker capacity as he would reach his retirement next September. Seripisut will also retire this year.

The three other senior officials transferred were Department of Special Investigation's chief Sunai Manomaiudom, Dr Siriwat Thiptaradon, secretary general of Food and Drug Administration and Director General of Public Relations Department Pramote Rattawanit