Yingluck: transfer of NSC secretary-general free of nepotism

BANGKOK, September 6 (TNA) - The Thai cabinet has transferred Secretary-General of the National Security Council Thawil Pliensri to the position of adviser at the Prime Minister's Office.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra confirmed the cabinet’s decision, saying that she would soon appoint Thawil’s successor.

Yingluck denied speculation that Thawil’s transfer would pave way for a close aide of the Phue Thai party to fill up the vacant NSC post, saying that she chose Thawil for his job suitability.

Asked what she would do if Thawil filed a lawsuit against her for illegitimate transfer, Yingluck said she did not expect Thawil to do so as everything was done according to established methods.

Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he did not overlook the possibility of Thawil losing his seat, saying Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung had signalled earlier that Police General Wichean Potephosree, the National Police Chief, would be reassigned to the NSC. (TNA)