Thai coup leader increases powers of police chief

The latest order has given Kowit Vattana the power to act on police affairs without needing to consult Sondhi Boonyaratglin.

Thailand's coup leader General Sondhi Boonyaratglin has given the country's police chief -- a member of the ruling military council -- complete autonomy, the junta said on Friday.

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Police chief Kowit Vattana had reported to prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by the military late on Tuesday.

The latest order gave him the power to act on police affairs without needing to consult Sondhi, according to a statement from the council read on television.

After the coup, Sondhi suspended the constitution, abolished the cabinet and imposed martial law.