Deputy PM denies speculation about dismissal of army chief

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban denied media speculation on the supposed dismissal of Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda.

"It’s a groundless rumour," Mr Suthep told reporters while confirming that the prime minister and the Cabinet had no problem with Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, an elder brother of police chief Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan.

He also denied a rumour that Gen Prawit will resign from his post.

The deputy prime minister said Gen Patcharawat was assigned to work in the restive South after August 12 to follow progress in several cases related to the southern insurgency although he had about 50 days left in office before his retirement.

Speaking about the police reshuffle, Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said he would convene a meeting with the police commission on Thursday and that the reshuffle list is expected to be finished by Sunday.

Gen Patcharawat submitted a letter notifying Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of his return to the kingdom on Monday, citing the preparations for the annual observance of Mother's Day celebrations and a storm warning in China as the reasons requiring his early return.

It was expected that Gen Patcharawat's absence will smooth some minor obstacles to the police investigation of the attempted killing of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) key leader Sondhi Limthongkul on April 17, after the investigators complained that they had encountered difficulties in conducting the case as information had been leaked by unnamed police officers.

The premier earlier said Gen Patcharawat would not be removed from his post, but would instead take leave for an overseas mission to allow investigators to conduct the case smoothly and that there would not be an annual police reshuffle at this time, so that the changes will not affect the Sondhi investigation.

-- TNA 2009-08-11

There are going to be lots of rumours in the run up to the reshuffles and the Sondhi case is a right joker in the pack.

There are going to be lots of rumours in the run up to the reshuffles and the Sondhi case is a right joker in the pack.

It is about time to shake up the old system including changing the old guard. And I hope will stabilize the government especially after removing all Taksin old friends

The premier earlier said Gen Patcharawat would not be removed from his post, but would instead take leave for an overseas mission to allow investigators to conduct the case smoothly and that there would not be an annual police reshuffle at this time, so that the changes will not affect the Sondhi investigation.

-- TNA 2009-08-11

Well if that isn't a proper hint as to what the result of the investigation will bring up.

There are going to be lots of rumours in the run up to the reshuffles and the Sondhi case is a right joker in the pack.

It is about time to shake up the old system including changing the old guard. And I hope will stabilize the government especially after removing all Taksin old friends

Agree, would like to see some fresh faces for the next coup.