Defence minister refutes rumours about dismissal of army chief
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, May 13 - Thailand's Defence Minister on Sunday refuted rumours that Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha would be dismissed, saying the claim was groundless.

ACM Sukampol Suwannatat said there was no reason to remove Gen Prayuth from his post and that he did not know how or why the rumour broke out.

The defence minister also reaffirmed that relations between the government and the army remained strong.

He said this was evidenced by good work performances between both sides. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-05-13

Defense Ministry rejects rumors of planned removal of Army commander

BANGKOK, 13 May 2013 (NNT) – The Defense Ministry has come out to reject rumors of a plan to remove the current Army commander from his post, while confirming cordial relations between the government and the Thai Army.

Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat said that reports, which suggest the government is planning to remove General Prayuth Chan-o-cha from the Royal Thai Army’s top post, are merely rumors.

Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol stated that the time for the transfer of government officials and civil servants is not here and that the government has no reason to remove General Prayuth from his post of Commander-in-Chief.

He assured that the Army and the government have been enjoying sound relations and working collaboratively without any problem.

The Defense Minister blamed the problem on the people he labeled as ill-intended individuals, who have had an intention to cause confusion among the public.


-- NNT 2013-05-13

He assured that the Army and the government have been enjoying sound relations and working collaboratively without any problem.

The Defense Minister blamed the problem on the people he labeled as ill-intended individuals, who have had an intention to cause confusion among the public.

ill-intentioned individuals intending to cause public confusion, like Robert Amsterdam

Prayuth files complaint against Thaksin lawyer

Ah well.........it now looks like there is a real possibility of the army chief being removed in the near future!!

Confusion amongst the public????? <deleted>!!....no-one knows whats going on...even the PTP themselves!

These rumours need to be clarified, the Army Chief is actually learning Chinese, as he struggled with English and was misunderstood by the US and her allies , the minister has directed that he now study Chinese , this in turn will lead to greater ties with the giant Panda's armed forces.

Sukampol Suwannatat said

"He said this was evidenced by good work performances between both sides."

Well I was aware of the good work performance of the army during the floods. As for the south well not much of a chance down there with the government on a plan of the month club.

But what was he talking about the government doing a good performance of. Unless he was talking about running up the national debt and inflation.

The army chief has said several things that must have annoyed Mr. T and PTP and I'm sure they would like to replace him with one of their own but even PTP are wary of taking on the army and Mr. T can personally vouch for what can happen.

"The Defense Minister blamed the problem on the people he labeled as ill-intended individuals, who have had an intention to cause confusion among the public."

What's he talking about? This government confuses me every day. Does that make the government "ill-intended"?

Prayuth should have been fired and locked up many years ago. This gentleman does not know his place and interferes constantly in democratic processes plus that he together with the Abhisit clique is responsible for the dismal human rights situation in Thailand. Thailand has many more political prisoners now than Burma, but they are locked up under the computer crime laws and lese majesté laws.

Prayuth should have been fired and locked up many years ago. This gentleman does not know his place and interferes constantly in democratic processes plus that he together with the Abhisit clique is responsible for the dismal human rights situation in Thailand. Thailand has many more political prisoners now than Burma, but they are locked up under the computer crime laws and lese majesté laws.

Do you mean the computer crime laws that Chalerm spent 400 million baht on to set up a war room to catch 'violators'?

Why is the government concerned about replacing Gen. Prayuth?

He retires next year or are they concerned, knowing this, that he'll attempt something akin to his predecessors several years ago?

Prayuth should have been fired and locked up many years ago. This gentleman does not know his place and interferes constantly in democratic processes plus that he together with the Abhisit clique is responsible for the dismal human rights situation in Thailand. Thailand has many more political prisoners now than Burma, but they are locked up under the computer crime laws and lese majesté laws.

Do you mean the computer crime laws that Chalerm spent 400 million baht on to set up a war room to catch 'violators'?

Human Rights abuses... PTP... Thaksin... Glove-in-hand.

Prayuth should have been fired and locked up many years ago. This gentleman does not know his place and interferes constantly in democratic processes plus that he together with the Abhisit clique is responsible for the dismal human rights situation in Thailand. Thailand has many more political prisoners now than Burma, but they are locked up under the computer crime laws and lese majesté laws.

On the contrary, I think he well knows his "place" as can be referenced by the lack of intervention in a number of political annoyances since the installation of the PTP....

Prayuth should have been fired and locked up many years ago. This gentleman does not know his place and interferes constantly in democratic processes plus that he together with the Abhisit clique is responsible for the dismal human rights situation in Thailand. Thailand has many more political prisoners now than Burma, but they are locked up under the computer crime laws and lese majesté laws.

As opposed to PTP members who face criminal charges you mean?

Thaksin was really famous for his human rights record of course (or is it infamous?). And nice to see the current government making such fantastic progress on human rights, people trafficking and stoping intimidation of citizens by organized groups of thugs.

Prayuth should have been fired and locked up many years ago. This gentleman does not know his place and interferes constantly in democratic processes plus that he together with the Abhisit clique is responsible for the dismal human rights situation in Thailand. Thailand has many more political prisoners now than Burma, but they are locked up under the computer crime laws and lese majesté laws.

I didn't know that the army could arrest, charge, and lockup political prisoners directly. When did this happen?

...........have you ever know a Thai to be 'forthright'......let alone, a politician.....

......caught with your pants down....or in plain sight...or in plain crime............

.......deny..........deny.........deny......

Defense Ministry rejects rumours of planned removal of Army commander

I bet he did and then left the room to change his underwear.

They really don't want to take on the Army.. They learned that lesson 7 years ago. However, I don't think they have ever stopped trying. If they ever get a man they want in there, Thailand is screwed.