Former House of Representatives secretary-general Suwichak Nakwatcharachai has insisted he can defend all corruption allegations lodged against him by an ex-Democrat Party MP.
The junta transferred Mr Suwichak and two other senior state officials to inactive posts at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
The following day, Wilas Chanpitak filed a complaint against Mr Suwichak with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) at Royal Thai Army headquarters.
Mr Wilas, who is a former adviser to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, listed irregularities in a number of projects carried out under Mr Suwichak's tenure.
The alleged irregularities include a procurement project involving the purchase of allegedly overpriced wall-mounted clocks, and another scheme in which 62 hot and cold water dispensers were bought for about 70,000 baht each.
The petition highlighted "suspicious spending" of 444.7 million baht, approved shortly before the end of the last fiscal year, saying the cash had been signed off with no good reason.
Mr Wilas also referred to alleged irregularities in a number of overseas study trips arranged for civil servants attached to parliament and the hiring of a single company to organise seminars for the House of Representatives.
He has meanwhile raised questions over Mr Suwichak's establishment of unnecessary panels to pay members' allowances, and unfair reshuffles of civil servants.
Speaking to reporters after submitting the complaint, Mr Wilas thanked the NCPO for removing Mr Suwichak from his post and encouraged the junta to launch corruption probes against civil servants and politicians implicated in the petition.
He called on the NCPO to consider suspending projects approved under Mr Suwichak's supervision.
Chare Phanprueang, the most senior deputy secretary-general of the House, is being touted as the candidate most likely to replace Mr Suwichak.
In response to allegations relating to the overpriced clocks, Mr Suwichak said a proper procurement panel had been set up to handle the purchase of the timepieces, which he said cost only 40,000 baht each, not 70,000 baht as claimed.
A panel was appointed to draft the terms of reference for the procurement project at the time, while a different panel was also formed to inspect the purchased clocks upon their delivery, Mr Suwichak said.
Each step of the project was carried out in accordance with procurement regulations, he insisted.
The digital clocks were installed in every meeting room of the House. They were purchased to replace old versions because it is vital for parliamentarians to keep track of time, he said. Clocks mounted on the walls of meeting rooms had to be accurate because they are crucial for recording minutes, said Mr Suwichak, who reported for work at the PM's Office yesterday.
He maintained the purchase deal was above board, but said he was not surprised at being transferred.