Thai analysis: Talk of some top brass quitting continues

[webfact]

NATION ANALYSIS
Talk of some top brass quitting continues
The Nation


Paiboon

BANGKOK: -- Rumours about three high-ranking military officers in the Cabinet planning to abandon their positions in the armed forces, that spread over the New Year holidays, is continuing even though two of those involved have issued denials.

Rumour had it that the performance of the three in question was unsatisfactory in the armed forces, and that they had to focus their time and attention on their ministerial jobs.

The three in question are Justice Minister General Paiboon Koom-chaya, Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikalya and Deputy Education Minister Lt-General Surachet Chaiwong. Paiboon is also deputy supreme commander of the armed forces, Chatchai the assistant Army chief and Surachet deputy Army chief of staff.

Paiboon and Chatchai have dismissed these reports, while Surachet has not commented on the matter.

Observers agreed that if Paiboon, Chatchai and Surachet left their military posts ahead of the expected Army shake-up in April, things would become easier for the policy-makers. At least there will be three vacant seats for generals.

Many commanders from the Burapha Phayak clique, which has close connections with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, are expected to get key Army positions. Among them are assistant Army chiefs General Thirachai Nakvichien; General Preecha Chan-o-cha, PM's younger brother; and Army deputy chief of staff General Walit Rojanabhakdi.

However, a source put the rumour down to some people in the Burapha Phayak group, saying it was part of the move to push for an Army reshuffle and make way for the clique to strengthen its power base over the next three to four years.

Wanwichit Boonprong, a military and security expert at Rangsit University, said that Paiboon and Chatchai were the intended targets and that things were being said in order to push them to resign their military posts.

He also pointed out that there was no talk of Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr, who is also deputy defence minister, giving up his Army post.

It is believed that either Thirachai or Preecha - both believed to be widely trusted - will take over when Udomdej retires in September.

However, if the Army's top five positions aren't open, nobody from the Burapha Phayak clique will be able to take the chief's post next year - at a time when Prayut's government will need someone in the top Army post who can be trusted.

Meanwhile, Paiboon reiterated that this was a rumour. But he added that it was likely being spread by a person the media considered reliable.

"This is not a normal rumour. The media seem to have confidence in the person who is spreading it. I assume this person is not an ordinary citizen," he said.

It has been speculated that if the three officers took early retirement, then it would become easier for Prayut, who is also leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), to make high-ranking personnel changes in the Army.

Paiboon said yesterday that he had never been informed by any of his supervisors about this matter.

"I have never heard of this from the prime minister, the defence minister, or the supreme commander. It is just a rumour," he said.

When asked if it was likely that Army personnel changes were needed to make it possible for the NCPO to cling to power, Paiboon said the media should ask the prime minister this question.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Talk-of-some-top-brass-quitting-continues-30251269.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-06

[thesetat2013]

So why doesn't this article speculate on these generals possible early retirement and the impact it will have in the future with these men in a ministerial position. Once an elected Gov happens these men will be out of a job. Not even in the army. So one has to think if the rumors are true then they must have some knowledge about their futures in the Gov.

I mean; why quit your lifetime position as a career soldier for a temporary position as a minister in the gov?

[The stuttering parrot]

So the old mates club is well and truly in play.

Just goes to show you can have your cake and eat it to!

[chainarong]

There is more Generals mentioned here than Australia has had in the last 10 Years ,lets hear some talk about reducing the numbers of generals , reducing the number of Military personnel and putting money saved into education, priorities don't mean much in Thailand when prestige is at stake..

[NongKhaiKid]

What's the debate as 2 have issued denials and we know the value that can be placed on denials from anyone in a position of authority !

Move along, nothing to see here.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

What's the debate as 2 have issued denials and we know the value that can be placed on denials from anyone in a position of authority ! alt=giggle.gif>

Move along, nothing to see here.

Check your line account NKK there's a message for U

[NongKhaiKid]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

What's the debate as 2 have issued denials and we know the value that can be placed on denials from anyone in a position of authority ! alt=giggle.gif>

Move along, nothing to see here.

Check your line account NKK there's a message for U

Seems my attitude as well as my television signal needs adjusted.

Maybe I should add BA ( Bad Attitude ) to my forum I/D.

BA NKK, has a nice ring to it ?

[jcisco]

This article had more seemingly reliable information than most.... lets see what happens....

on second thoughts, it might just be cause its a bit gossipy....... crap

[soalbundy]

So why doesn't this article speculate on these generals possible early retirement and the impact it will have in the future with these men in a ministerial position. Once an elected Gov happens these men will be out of a job. Not even in the army. So one has to think if the rumors are true then they must have some knowledge about their futures in the Gov.

I mean; why quit your lifetime position as a career soldier for a temporary position as a minister in the gov?

who said it was temporary.

[lildragon]

Good to see cronyism well and truly stamped out now... oh... wait...

[rickirs]

They are welcome to quit the Government and return to being just ordinary Flag Officers with only one salary.

[webfact]

Prayut: no generals to leave Cabinet

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Tuesday dismissed rumors that three active military officers will resign from his Cabinet. Prayut said all generals can still work as ministers and military officers.

The prime minister said he believe the generals can manage their time. Prayut said a military reshuffle to relieve the three generals from their military duty will not be necessary either.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-no-generals-to-leave-Cabinet-30251296.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-06

[chotthee]

Army Generals are smart and efficient people.

Unlike Samak, they can moonlight several job without affecting their efficiency.