The source he would also be invited to the ministry for inquiries including his intention to form the party and the facts regarding his connection to the junta.

The issue emerged earlier this week after some photos were seen of the officer setting up his organisation’s branches in several provinces.

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha denied knowing him.

Songklod has rejected speculation that he was setting up a political party to support the junta ahead of the coming national election. He said he had not yet registered the party with the Election Commission.

He said he had been focused on “volunteering” to boost what he called “Thai Nation’s Power” – the party that he had said he was planning to set up in June.

He conceded that he was part of the National Council for Peace and Order, having worked for the council under its committee for reform.

He retired from the Defence Ministry as a staff judge advocate in 2016.

He had worked as a chief of staff at the ministry’s permanent secretary office, and at the Internal Security Command Office.