Thai Generals Vie To Become New Army Chief

[LaoPo]

Thai generals vie to become new army chief

BANGKOK (AFP) — An intense power struggle has broken out among the top ranks of Thailand's military over who should succeed the nation's junta leader, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, when he retires at the end of September.

The new army chief will lead Thailand's junta as the nation heads into general elections on December 23, which are supposed to restore democracy in the kingdom after the ouster of elected premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Whoever fills the job will have an enormous impact on whether the kingdom sticks to its rocky road back toward democracy or risks suffering through another coup in the future, analysts say.

"Whoever controls the most number of key men in the army can sway things in terms of whether or not to have a coup," said political analyst Giles Ungpakorn.

Senior Thai army officials are routinely pushed into retirement once they turn 60, as Sonthi did last year.

Sonthi's acceptance of retirement is seen by many analysts as a prelude to his launching a political career that could lead to him seeking the premiership himself at the elections.

Normally the next most senior commander would become army chief, and the decision would be confirmed by mid-August, before the annual military reshuffle is formally announced on October 1.

But there's nothing routine about this decision, in which the military, the army-backed government, and the palace are locked in an intense closed-door debate over which of three top generals should succeed Sonthi.

The current Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, as well as the top royal adviser, General Prem Tinsulanonda, are both former army chiefs themselves. No civilian leader has a say in the decision.

The debate has been so fierce that Thailand's stock market was last month rattled by rumours of a new coup, and the defense minister had to publicly deny any rift among the top brass.

Theoretically, the next man in line for the job is General Saprang Kalananamitra, 59, an outspoken critic of Thaksin and a military hardliner who had publicly warned that he would stage another coup if a new political crisis breaks out after the elections.

In the wake of the coup last September, he scooped up lucrative top jobs on two of Thailand's state enterprises, but has run into criticism from workers and investors over his handling of the companies.

Under previous military governments, junta members often took such jobs as well-paid sinecures to boost their army salaries.

"If General Sonthi and General Prem insist on Saprang, it means they insist on a hardline to keep Thaksin out. He's a very clear choice for the more right-wing approach," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst at Chulalongkorn University.

Sonthi's personal choice appears to be his protege and confidante, General Montree Sungkasap, 58, the army chief of staff.

The criticism against him is that he had no direct role in the coup against Thaksin and he is not a current member of the junta.

The compromise candidate could be General Anupong Paojinda, 57, who is currently assistant army chief.

He was a key player in the coup, mobilising forces in Bangkok during the takeover. He sits on the junta, but has avoided politicising his role and refrained from picking up any corporate jobs along the way.

Although he was Thaksin's classmate in military prep school, he is widely seen as a solid career military man.

"Anupong has a better chance at this time, because he has kept himself out of this politicisation," Thitinan said.

But so far, there's no clear frontrunner for the job.

The uncertainty over who will be leading the military adds to the unpredictability around the upcoming elections.

Sonthi has said he will decide on his political future after his retirement, but no one expects him to slip quietly off the national stage.

"He won't be going home to watch TV," Thitinan said.

AFP.

LaoPo

[womble]

I see tough times ahead in the years that follow.

[Rinrada]

Lots of boot polish methinks......

[kankaroo]

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as a Thai general !

Also I just pictured a funny scene in my head. Just imagine the situation, you are the company owner who has just "employed" the most powerful general in Thailand and you and him are going for a spin in your car. Then some traffic cop pulls you over for speeding or the likes and realizes who is sitting in the passenger seat of your car.

Don't know about "kawt tod khrap" but some form of crap would definitely be present, running down the plods legs

[Scott]

When the military is doing anything, I tend to get nervous. They just have too many guns and too much power for my peace of mind! I hope it all gets settle amicably.

[chownah]

It looks like the real "election" which will decide Thailand's future is underway already!!

[Big A]

"Whoever controls the most number of key men in the army can sway things in terms of whether or not to have a coup,"

Starting to look like a South American banana republic

What happened today?

Why?

There wasn't a coup before teatime!!

[Prakanong]

"Sonthi's personal choice appears to be his protege and confidante, General Montree Sungkasap, 58, the army chief of staff.

The criticism against him is that he had no direct role in the coup against Thaksin and he is not a current member of the junta."

I would have thought that was a plus for him?

Then again TiT

[Jai Dee]

Air Force Chief says he has no problem working with new army chief

Deputy Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) and Air Force Chief, ACM Chalit Phukphasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุข), says he has no problem working with Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, whose position may be extended.

In response to news concerning the possibility of another term as the army chief of Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin, ACM Chalit says he has no knowledge about the matter and an extension of the chief’s term in the army has not occurred in a long time.

ACM Chalit adds that the air force’s high-ranking officer reshuffle has been completed and he will attend a meeting with the Supreme Commander and chiefs of the three military forces to discuss the reshuffle in detail. He also affirms the reshuffle is based on knowledge and capability of the officers.

As for CNS’s plan to arrange a press conference to announce its achievements, the air force chief says it is being discussed by CNS members and affirms the September 19th coup was not aimed at toppling the last government but tackling divisions in the society and suppressing corruption.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 September 2007

[chownah]

the September 19th coup was not aimed at toppling the last government but tackling divisions in the society and suppressing corruption.

So, I guess the fall of the last gov't was just a bit of colateral damage?

hahahahahahaha....do you think ANYONE will buy this?

[cclub75]

Bad news. General Saprang plans to resign from the board of AOT and TOT !

Would it be a sign ? That he's taking the lead to become the next Chief of Army... ?

God, pray for us....

[LaoPo]

Bad news. General Saprang plans to resign from the board of AOT and TOT !

Would it be a sign ? That he's taking the lead to become the next Chief of Army... ?

God, pray for us....

"Theoretically, the next man in line for the job is General Saprang Kalananamitra, 59, an outspoken critic of Thaksin and a military hardliner who had publicly warned that he would stage another coup if a new political crisis breaks out after the elections." [from the OP, above]

Maybe he doesn't want to wait...?

LaoPo

[Plus]

Elswhere he says he won't stage the coup for personal reasons, i.e. not being appointed the army chief.

I doubt he'd just fade away though. Maybe he'll go into politics (and breaks his neck).

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander reports military reshuffle list to be finalized Friday

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces reports that the military reshuffle list will be submitted this Friday.

Armed Forces Supreme Commadner Gen. Boonsrang Neampradit (บุญสร้าง เนียบประดิษฐ์) reports that the Commander in Chiefs of the Armed Forces convened earliers this evening in order to discuss the reshuffle of officers from each branch of the Armed Forces. Gen. Boonsrang revealed that he has had a glimpse of the names on the list and is not informed of the name of the new Army Commander in Chief although he is not at liberty to disclose additional details.

The list is expected to be finalized on September 7th before being sent to Minister of Defence General Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) and Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont for final consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 September 2007

[John K]

This certainly is one of the big three unknowns that will set the path of Thailand.

The first was the constitution.

This is second.

The December elections will be third.

On that note, the thought of all the recycled politicians that never seem to go away, and the Thaksin “I’m calling it quits” thread, I can’t help but think Thaksin is now part of the recycle whirlpool.

[Jai Dee]

Sonthi plays down reports that PDA would campaign for appointment of Saprang as next army chief

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, army commander-in-chief and chairman of the Council for National Security, Friday played down report that the People's Alliance for Democracy has threatened to stir up political trouble if Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr did not get the post of army chief.

"I don't know about it," Sonthi replied when asked to comment on reports that the PDA called on the government to appoint Saprang, an assistant army chief, as the next army chief or else there would be trouble.

"I know only that we have done our duty regarding the selection of the next commander in line with management framework of the armed forces," Sonthi said.

He said he was not worried over the reports that the PDA would cause trouble if Saprang failed to get the post.

"I don't think it will happen so because the military and PDA are allies. If the PDA does so, it will make our opponents very happy," Sonthi said.

He said the political situation would not influence the outcome of the selection of the next army chief.

Source: The Nation - 07 September 2007

[Losangels]

My prediction(guess?)is that Sodthi stays as Army Chief by extending his retirement until after the election and selecting a new Premier

[John K]

This is interesting, I thought this was to be announced over the weekend. There must be one heck of a big battle going on.

[dominique355]

In a real democracy, where the Armed Forces are under the control of the Legislative and Executive Powers (elected by the people), the top generals and chiefs of staff would be appointed by the legislative and executive branches.

But not so in Thailand. Shows how much developed is the sense of Democracy among the "generals".

[cdnvic]

CNS members and affirms the September 19th coup was not aimed at toppling the last government but tackling divisions in the society and suppressing corruption.

I'm sure glad they stepped in and cleaned up all the corruption

[Plus]

In a real democracy, where the Armed Forces are under the control of the Legislative and Executive Powers (elected by the people), the top generals and chiefs of staff would be appointed by the legislative and executive branches.

The reshuffle must be announced this week, it can't wait for Thailand to become a real democracy.

[John K]

Sonthi to submit army reshuffle list to supreme commander Monday evening

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Monday that he would submit the reshuffle list of senior army officers to Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit in the evening.

He said there would be no problem regarding the selection of the next army chief.

He said the Supreme commander would make photocopies of the list to commanders of the armed forces to see.

The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Army Chief says Army reshuffle list completed

The Army Commander in Chief affirms that the Army's reshuffle list will be sent to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces by tonight.

Council for National Security Chiarman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) traveled to attend a farewell ceremony in his honor at the Burapha Force base in the northeastern region today. Gen. Sonthi reveals that the Army's reshuffle list is now completed and will be submitted to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces tonight. The name of the new Army Commander in Chief will be absent due to the need to maintain operational secrecy. The Council for National Security Chairman said that newly appointed Army officers will not be asked to attend a meeting prior to their new duties.

Gen. Sonthi added that there will be a temporary revocation of martial law in the three southern border provinces for 30 days from September 12 onwards in order to allow local Thai-Muslims the freedom to participate in Ramadan traditions. If local peace prevails, authorities may consider lifting martial law in the restive south permanently.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 September 2007

[ColPyat]

Gen. Sonthi added that there will be a temporary revocation of martial law in the three southern border provinces for 30 days from September 12 onwards in order to allow local Thai-Muslims the freedom to participate in Ramadan traditions. If local peace prevails, authorities may consider lifting martial law in the restive south permanently.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 September 2007

Unbelievable - in an active war zone they think about lifting martial law, while in 32 peaceful provinces they do not consider lifting martial law before the elections.

[John K]

Colpyat it looks to be a calculated move to silence the critics and justify the next action whatever it may be.

Edited September 10, 2007 by John K

[Mid]

Unbelievable - in an active war zone they think about lifting martial law, while in 32 peaceful provinces they do not consider lifting martial law before the elections.

sorry , the false hood there is unbelievable

[Plus]

Muslims need to stay up after dark during Ramadan, it would be impossible to do so under martial law.

In the rest of the country martial law is reportedly unnoticable.

[ColPyat]

Muslims need to stay up after dark during Ramadan, it would be impossible to do so under martial law.

In the rest of the country martial law is reportedly unnoticable.

Excuse me, but i think you confuse the terms of "Martial Law" and "curfew".

All of the three southern provinces are under Martial law, only some districts are under curfew.

Martial law in the other 32 provinces is not noticeable as long as you don't plan to politically campaign in opposition to the government. For the ones who do so - it is very noticeable.

[Siripon]

Muslims need to stay up after dark during Ramadan, it would be impossible to do so under martial law.

In the rest of the country martial law is reportedly unnoticable.

Excuse me, but i think you confuse the terms of "Martial Law" and "curfew".

All of the three southern provinces are under Martial law, only some districts are under curfew.

Martial law in the other 32 provinces is not noticeable as long as you don't plan to politically campaign in opposition to the government. For the ones who do so - it is very noticeable.

Not really colonel, since the early 1990s, 25 provinces , including your wife's Chiang Rai, have been under martial law.

I don't think it affected TRT activity.

[ColPyat]

Not really colonel, since the early 1990s, 25 provinces , including your wife's Chiang Rai, have been under martial law.

I don't think it affected TRT activity.

No, my wife is not from Chiang Rai.

Any substantiation that 25 Provinces have been since he early 90's under martial law?