Military set promotion list deadline
The armed forces have been asked to send their reshuffle lists to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon by Wednesday, a military source says.
The lists must be ready by then so they can be forwarded to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha early next month, the source said, adding the premier intends to send the lists for royal endorsement on Aug 12.
Gen Prawit yesterday dismissed reports he was trying to arrange an urgent meeting tomorrow with Defence Ministry panelists to consider the transfers of senior military officers as well as armed forces commanders, saying no arrangement has been made.
Asked who was in line to be the new defence permanent secretary, Gen Prawit said a name had not been proposed to him.
According to the source, army chief of staff, Thanchaiyan Srisuwan, is likely to become the new chief of the defence forces, replacing outgoing Gen Surapong Suwana-adth.
Assistant army chief Theppong Thippayachan is tipped to become permanent secretary for defence.
It is believed this will be to compensate him if he misses the chance to become army chief.
Gen Theppong comes from the Burapha Phayak (Tigers of the East), the nickname of the military clique attached to the Prachin Buri-based 2nd Infantry Division, the Queen’s Guard.
Gen Prawit is part of the Burapha Phayak clique, along with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda.
First Army Region commander Apirat Kongsompong is tipped to be made assistant army chief in the reshuffle, which increases his chances of succeeding army chief Chalermchai Sitthisad next year.
Assistant navy chief Naris Prathumsuwan is said to be favoured as the new navy commander, while navy chief-of-staff Luechai Ruddit is tipped to replace him in the reshuffle.
The source added that Lt Gen Kukiat Srinaka, chief of the first army corps, is a strong contender for First Army Region commander. If shifted, he will be replaced by his deputy, Maj Gen Srisak Poonprasit, who is also member of the Burapha Phayak clique.