Deputy police commissioners, who aspire to promotion to commissioner in the annual reshuffle, will have to be patient, as outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has decided to let the new PM make the decision.

Pol Maj Gen Archayon Kraithong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, quoted Prayut as saying that, in line with good governance, now that Srettha Thavisin is the new prime minister, the decision on the appointment should be his.

The current police commissioner, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, is due to retire on Sept 30.

Prayut chaired a meeting of the Police Commission on Friday to consider the annual reshuffle for the positions of national police commissioner, deputy commissioners and commanders.

The spokesman said that, during the three-hour meeting, Prayut ordered the withdrawal from the agenda consideration of candidates for the top posts.

Prayut has, however, already approved appointments to other positions, said the spokesman.

There are four deputy national police chiefs in line for the top job. They are Pol Gen Roy Ingkapairote, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet and Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.

Roy and Torsak are believed to be strong contenders for the position.