Military reshuffle gets King’s approval
>>A new military reshuffle list has been endorsed by His Majesty the King and announced in the Royal Gazette.
Among the 792 people promoted in this reshuffle, Gen Chalermpol Srisawasdi, the armed forces chief of staff, was appointed the new defence forces chief as expected.
Gen Chalermpol has three years left before his mandatory retirement in 2023.
He is one of the so-called red-rim soldiers specially trained as a Royal Guard.
Those who pass the elite training programme are given a T-shirt with a red rim to signify their completion of the programme.
Adm Chochat Krathet, the deputy navy chief who missed the opportunity to become the navy chief in this reshuffle, emerged a deputy chief of the defence forces instead.
Gen Narongphan Jitkaewtae, an assistant army chief, was appointed army chief as expected. He is a second red-rim soldier to take the helm of the army. The first red-rim soldier to take the army’s top job was outgoing army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong. Gen Narongphan is also due to retire in 2023.
Gen Thirawat Bunyawat emerged as the deputy army chief, Lt Gen Charoenchai Hinthao as the First Army chief, Lt Gen Thanet Wongcha-aum as the Second Army chief, Maj Gen Aphichet Suesat as the Third Army chief and
Maj Gen Kriangkrai Sirak as the Fourth Army chief.
Adm Chatchai Siworakhan, an assistant navy chief, was appointed the new navy chief, while Adm Sitthiphon Matkasem, the navy chief of staff, became the deputy navy chief.
ACM Airbull Suttiwan emerged as the new air force chief. His appointment came as a surprise to many observers.
ACM Suraphon Phutthamon, another air force specialist, emerged as ACM Airbull’s deputy.