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Army C-in-C Gen Prayut passes baton to successor


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Posted

Army C-in-C Gen Prayut passes baton to successor
By Digital Content

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BANGKOK, Sept 30 -- Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the prime minister and chief of the National Council for Peace and Order, retired as commander in chief of the Thai army today.

He was succeeded by Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, deputy defence minister and deputy Army chief.

Gen Prayut is confident that his successor will make the Royal Thai Army a national and ASEAN army.

The succession ceremony took place at Army headquarters in Bangkok at 10.30am today.

A parade and ranks of Army soldiers bid farewell to Gen Prayut who served as the 37th Army chief for four years.

Gen Prayut congratulated Gen Udomdej and thanked subordinates for their trust in him and his work.

Gen Prayut said he believed the new Army chief would work for the national interest and be calm and determined to strengthen the Army and develop its important roles in ASEAN.

Gen Udomdej thanked Gen Prayut for his contributions to the Army. He promised to work with honesty, supervise subordinates with righteousness and fairness, proceed with policies and promote national security, unity and stability.

After the ceremony, Gen Prayut greeted personnel present and waved farewell to Army officers while traveling in his limousine heading for Government House where he works in his capacity as prime minister. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2014-09-30

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Posted

Perhaps the reforms that are all being envisaged will include a reform of the duties of the military, so that General Udomdej will never need to as Commander in Chief, make another call to take charge in Democratic Thailand and interfere in the due process of government, not that General Prayuth had much choice .coffee1.gif

Posted

I salute u general , must be hard to leave the job u loved .

Wish u good luck with making Thailand a better place for Thai's and foreignors .

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

He was succeeded by Gen Udomdej Sitabutr

Surely not another "Eastern Tiger", 'pon my soul? About as suprising as the NRC list coffee1.gif

Edited by fab4
  • Like 2
Posted

PRAYUT'S SUCCESSOR
New Army chief vows no coup

The Nation

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Outgoing Army chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha and new chief General Udomdej Sitabutr receive a salute at the hand-over of his post to Udomdej at Army headquarters yesterday.

Udomdej promises to maintain peace; defend monarchy

BANGKOK: -- NEWLY APPOINTED Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr vowed yesterday there would be no military coup to oust the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration.


"There won't be [a coup], be it by those [in power] now or in the future. The commanders have a common understanding and everyone is moving in the same direction," he said.

Udomdej made the remark in reply to reporters' questions following the hand-over ceremony at Army headquarters in Bangkok yesterday.

The new commander, who assumes the position today, said the Army would continue to serve as a main base for maintaining peace and order and would defend the monarchy institution and try to end the conflict in the deep South.

"I am ready to continue the task and deal with threats of all forms that are becoming more complex and broad as well as preparing [the Army] into becoming a strong Army for Asean," said Udomdej, adding that winning the trust of the public would also be an objective, along with fostering national unity and stability.

On the restive three southernmost provinces, the new Army chief said the struggle to maintain peace in the area was already a decade old. The outgoing Army chief and Prime Minister Prayut had assigned him with the task of restoring peace - or at least reducing the level of violence - in the area.

"We used to try to win [the hearts] of all villages but from now on we will make people in the three-border provinces feel they're not fighting with anyone. We shall make peace in the villages and when the villages are peaceful, the districts and provinces shall become peaceful as well," Udomdej said.

"We will try to make understanding through talking with all groups. This is what I will do more in parallel [with other approaches]," he said, adding that he was confident such a strategy would work if all parties cooperate. "Come and talk with us if you have something to say or something that you wish to do. We shall support things that are right and in accordance with the constitution."

In regard to maintaining peace and order nationwide, the new Army chief said the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) would continue to exist and play its role, as well as continuing to support the government.

Prayut, meanwhile, said he was confident the new Army chief would be able to carry out the tasks, including modernising of the Army.



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-- The Nation 2014-10-01
Posted

Amazing, he has just taken over and is talking about coup situations, does the Thai military study defending the country or taking over the country.

Veiled warning perhaps to future civilian administrations ?

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

I wonder if he would keep his word if the PT are elected back into office. I doubt it. Just meaningless words.

I don't see a problem for PTP or a version of same being voted in at the next election provided their (or any parties) ability to abuse power - lie - cheat - steal etc has largely been removed, reform if done correctly should accomplish that

Edited by smedly
Posted (edited)

Amazing, he has just taken over and is talking about coup situations, does the Thai military study defending the country or taking over the country.

Veiled warning perhaps to future civilian administrations ?

He had to respond to reporters' questions. I am sure that whatever his private thoughts are the last thing he would bring up is the prospect of another coup.

Edited by Saan
Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Posted

Amazing, he has just taken over and is talking about coup situations, does the Thai military study defending the country or taking over the country.

Veiled warning perhaps to future civilian administrations ?

Please note that "Udomdej made the remark in reply to reporters' questions following the hand-over ceremony at Army headquarters in Bangkok yesterday."

It was a "journalist" that was asking the inane question (probably from the pre-approved, junta-issued list of inane questions) and the new army brass trotted out the usual mantra.

You think you will live long enough to see a civilian administration in Thailand? Really?

Posted

I salute u general , must be hard to leave the job u loved .

Wish u good luck with making Thailand a better place for Thai's and foreignors .

No problem getting YOUR next visa, then.

  • Like 1
Posted

Amazing, he has just taken over and is talking about coup situations, does the Thai military study defending the country or taking over the country.

Veiled warning perhaps to future civilian administrations ?

Please note that "Udomdej made the remark in reply to reporters' questions following the hand-over ceremony at Army headquarters in Bangkok yesterday."

It was a "journalist" that was asking the inane question (probably from the pre-approved, junta-issued list of inane questions) and the new army brass trotted out the usual mantra.

You think you will live long enough to see a civilian administration in Thailand? Really?

I'm not holding my breath because at my age it does nothing for life expectancy.

Another poster pointed out he was simply answering a reporter's question but I would suggest it was one that could have easily been brushed aside with a light hearted response given the occasion.

If it was pre-approved which is possible it doesn't say much for the censors who approved it because her was a military leader making promises of no coup and where have we heard that before ?

Posted

He was succeeded by Gen Udomdej Sitabutr

Surely not another "Eastern Tiger", 'pon my soul? About as suprising as the NRC list coffee1.gif

Your comment as well.

anyway it would seem that the successor might be the correct man for the job, rank, experience, capabilties, knowledge. Maybe even 'potential' rolleyes.gif

  • Like 2
Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Another Army General getting a job ? Another Thai involved? Sun shining?

So, can you name another General who would be in line for promotion with the correct knowledge, time in rank, etc., etc.?

Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Another Army General getting a job ? Another Thai involved? Sun shining?

So, can you name another General who would be in line for promotion with the correct knowledge, time in rank, etc., etc.?

Posted

Cronyism is not a illegal act in the military. The Dem is pretty ok with this too.

Although your post is very vague in some ways, posted here it would seem a reaction on the topic of "new C-in-C".

So let's expand the list a bit. Remind me, what is the name again of the PM who appointed his little brother as C-in-C in 2004?

Since you also mentioned the Dems, maybe you should also remind me of the name of the Pheu Thai clone PM who was found guilty of "conflict of interest" in relation to filling a vacancy just created with a relative ?

Of course, you might just have been in a trolling mode, in which case I would suggest getting a strong expresso coffee to clear your head.

Cheers,

uncle rubl

  • Like 1
Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Another Army General getting a job ? Another Thai involved? Sun shining?

So, can you name another General who would be in line for promotion with the correct knowledge, time in rank, etc., etc.?

I have no idea what you are asking. I think you potentially misread my post, i was not criticizing the General, so you can put your light sabre down.

Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Another Army General getting a job ? Another Thai involved? Sun shining?

So, can you name another General who would be in line for promotion with the correct knowledge, time in rank, etc., etc.?

I have no idea what you are asking. I think you potentially misread my post, i was not criticizing the General, so you can put your light sabre down.

Personally I have no problem when you criticise the General, go ahead rolleyes.gif

It's just that mentioning the "another Eastern Tiger" followed by musings on how frustated other regional army commanders might be, suggests you think there were other, equally or even more capable figures who could or should have got this job. That's why I asked if you could name one wai.gif

Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Another Army General getting a job ? Another Thai involved? Sun shining?

So, can you name another General who would be in line for promotion with the correct knowledge, time in rank, etc., etc.?

Name you two and you can do your research why they are not considered. Gen Nipat, full general and deputy Perm Sec MOD and Lt. Gen Atthanop, Commander in the prestigious National Defence College. Anyway, you know the reasons why Udomdej is appointed as stepping stone for little brother of Prayuth.

  • Like 1
Posted

Another Eastern Tiger leader!, i am sure other regional army divisions are getting a little frustrated about this.

I am sure the leader has many creative ways to make sure the other regional army leaders are content and will tow the line.

Another Army General getting a job ? Another Thai involved? Sun shining?

So, can you name another General who would be in line for promotion with the correct knowledge, time in rank, etc., etc.?

I have no idea what you are asking. I think you potentially misread my post, i was not criticizing the General, so you can put your light sabre down.

Personally I have no problem when you criticise the General, go ahead rolleyes.gif

It's just that mentioning the "another Eastern Tiger" followed by musings on how frustated other regional army commanders might be, suggests you think there were other, equally or even more capable figures who could or should have got this job. That's why I asked if you could name one wai.gif

No, i was not commenting on qualification, more the continual line of persons from the same regiment being picked- Prawit, Anupong, Prayuth, Udomej.

I am unsure what qualifications the head of the army requires here, their job when not conducting a coup seems more ceremonial than anything else, i cannot imagine they do much strategic thinking themselves, they would have teams of relatively intelligent but less well connected people to do that for them.

Maybe they spend their times 'overseeing' procurement.

Posted

I have tried to understand the Thai 'approach' to the army etc.

What I mean by that is has the army ever fought anyone?. I know a Thai regiment fought with valour in the Korean war, but apart from that I'm not sure.

Great emphasis is made at times to the fact Thailand has never been colonised invaded occupied - although of course the Japanese were here once in the north and Thailand declared war on the west, presumably under orders from Tokyo.

Given that sort of 'education' I wonder if that is why Thailand often sees itself as the centre of the universe at times. Also, the army, in the absence of any other function, has always seen itself solely as the bastion of domestic peace and order.

Now I have never been to Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam as many other TV posters have, and I often wonder whether the legacy of colonisation, wars against the French, Americans and each other (Vietnam) somehow give those nations a broader view of the world. I don't know.

I'm not knocking the Thai's - I live here quite happily, but I do despair at times as to their approach to what is the function of an army and the insular attitude that seems to prevail.

I was in the UK army for 22 years, and I know it's ludicrous to compare but I doubt the thought of internal interference in the country's affairs, ever crossed my mind.

Bit of a ramble I know, but I hope any reader can have a semblance of understanding what I'm trying to say - it comes from sheer frustration.

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