Political activist Tul Sittisomwong has criticised the appointment of a former close aide to former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra as director of the Strategic Transformation Office (STO).
The cabinet on Wednesday approved the appointment of Pol Col Watanyu Witthayapalotha, prompting criticism over ethical standards.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Dr Tul said recent appointments and transfers of senior state officials raised serious ethical concerns and appeared to open key positions to close associates or people with political backing.
He cited Pol Col Watanyu's appointment as an example of this, saying his background raised questions about his suitability and the ethics of those making such appointments.
Pol Col Watanyu served on security teams for former prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck, Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
In 2018, he faced a disciplinary investigation after being seen with Thaksin and Yingluck at the World Cup in Russia. At that time, he was attached to the research and development unit of the Special Branch Police.
After Ms Paetongtarn left office, he was transferred from the Royal Thai Police to the civil service under the Prime Minister's Office and appointed STO deputy director.
Meanwhile, former senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn questioned why the STO still exists, rather than who was appointed to lead it.
In a Facebook post, Mr Kamnoon said the reform process under the 2017 Constitution effectively ended in 2022, when the 13 national reform committees expired on Aug 14 that year.
He said the STO was established as a temporary body and its tenure was due to expire at the end of 2023.
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