This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7754381.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Thai PM dismisses chief of police Thai PM dismisses chief of police
(10 minutes later)
Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has fired the chief of the national police force, officials say.Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has fired the chief of the national police force, officials say.
The news comes amid mounting tensions over the ongoing protests paralysing Bangkok's two airports.The news comes amid mounting tensions over the ongoing protests paralysing Bangkok's two airports.
Anti-government protesters have said they will not leave until Mr Somchai resigns, which he has refused to do.Anti-government protesters have said they will not leave until Mr Somchai resigns, which he has refused to do.
Police have not yet moved to break up the protests but have said they are prepared to take "other steps" if negotiations fail.Police have not yet moved to break up the protests but have said they are prepared to take "other steps" if negotiations fail.
No official reason was given for Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwanbut's dismissal, but government spokesman Nattawut Saikuar suggested to Thai TV that is was in connection with the protest crisis. Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwanbut has been moved to an "inactive post" in the prime minister's office, said officials.
No official reason was given for his demotion, but government spokesman Nattawut Saikuar suggested to Thai TV that it was in connection with the protest crisis.
"The transfer is because of suitability and in line with the situation. The prime minister considered how he handled the current situation," said Mr Nattawut."The transfer is because of suitability and in line with the situation. The prime minister considered how he handled the current situation," said Mr Nattawut.
He said the prime minister had appointed Maj Gen Prateep Tanprasert as acting police chief.He said the prime minister had appointed Maj Gen Prateep Tanprasert as acting police chief.