Thaksin's Attempt To Reshuffle Military Precipitated Coup

[Michael W]

The coup significantly comes against the backdrop of a hotly contested scheduled military reshuffle, in which Thaksin had controversially vied to elevate army officials loyal to him from his pre-Cadet Class 10 to the pivotal First Army Division. That reshuffle list reportedly brought Thaksin into conflict with senior members of the top brass and the Privy Council, and his refusal to back down from the proposed personnel changes appears to have been a major factor behind the coup.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Thaksin had attempted to elevate Major General Prin Suwanthat to commander of the First Army Division, which crucially is charged with overseeing security in Bangkok. Thaksin also reportedly pushed to promote Prin’s ally, Major General Daopong Ratanasuwan, to take over the First Infantry. With assistant army commander Pornchai Kranlert in place, the reshuffle, if accomplished, would have given Thaksin an unbroken chain of command over crack troops responsible for Bangkok’s security.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HI21Ae01.html

[GuestHouse]

Be assured that the real reason has something to do with one group or another not being allowed to get their snout in the troph.

[udon]

The coup significantly comes against the backdrop of a hotly contested scheduled military reshuffle, in which Thaksin had controversially vied to elevate army officials loyal to him from his .

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HI21Ae01.html

At last, some real inside info.

Thank you.

[Old Man River]

According to the front page of the Bangkok post today, it was said that the armed forces and police decided to stage the coup to avert a possible clash between the PAD and the forestry police who were due to move into Bangkok today to quash the PAD - led protests.

I guess a coup was going to happen sooner or later, but the above gives reason for its timing.

[fxm88]

According to the front page of the Bangkok post today, it was said that the armed forces and police decided to stage the coup to avert a possible clash between the PAD and the forestry police who were due to move into Bangkok today to quash the PAD - led protests.

forestry police?

[Siripon]

According to the front page of the Bangkok post today, it was said that the armed forces and police decided to stage the coup to avert a possible clash between the PAD and the forestry police who were due to move into Bangkok today to quash the PAD - led protests.

forestry police?

Under the control of Yongyut, a notorious forestry chief and Thaksin supporter. He caused problems at Lumpini park last year and had his men hit a Thaksin critic in a TV studio.

He also proposed to let tourists eat the 'exotic' wild animals in Chiang Mai Safari park.