The National Security Council (NSC) will remain leaderless for ten more days, after its former secretary general, Gen Supot Malaniyom, retired in September.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin chaired a meeting of the NSC for the first time since taking office today.

Widespread rumours indicate that Srettha will nominate Deputy Police Commissioner Pol Gen Roy Ingkapairote for the top NSC post, but the prime minister told reporters after the meeting that he wanted ten more days to study some legal issues, before making the appointment. He did not elaborate.

Roy had earlier been a strong contender for national police commissioner, but the post went to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol. Instead, the prime minister reportedly considered transferring him to the NSC.

Most NSC secretary generals have historically come from the army.