Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, has signed the order to suspend deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four more police officers accused of being involved in money laundering in relation to an online gambling network.

The order takes affect immediately on April 18. The other four police officers are: Pol Col Kittichai Sangkhathaworn, Pol Lt Col Krit Pariyaket, Pol Sgt Natthawut Wadwaew and Pol Sgt Natthanan Chuchak.

Pol Gen Kitrat confirms that everything is being done in due process of the law and the police investigation.

He also emphasises that, while he is currently the acting police chief, he has full authority.

Pol Gen Kitrat said he had informed the prime minister so that Pol Gen Surachate can be transferred from his inactive post at the Office of the Prime Minister back to the Royal Thai Police headquarters as the disciplinary investigation continues.

He cited that the suspension order is issued as the investigation could require a considerable amount of time, during which, the five accused police officers still has the right to appeal.