Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Defence Minister Rejects Interference in Military Reshuffle

Aug 23, 2011
Thailand Outlook

The defense minister has rejected a claim that Privy Council President General Prem Tinasulanont and ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra are the masterminds behind the annual military reshuffle.

Defense Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapha insisted that Privy Council President General Prem Tinasulanont and ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra are not interfering with the upcoming annual military reshuffle, as had been claimed in recent rumors.

He also downplayed a remark that General Daphong Ratanasuwan and Air Chief Marshal Itthiphon Suphawong may be reshuffled, though he has not yet seen the finalized line-up.

If the two soldiers really are transferred, he said he will demand the Army chief's justification.

He insisted that the Army chief would adhere to seniority and that no conflict would emerge during the upcoming meeting, which will be the last before the reshuffle list is finalized.

Concerning the disputed Cambodian border, General Yuthasak insisted, at the Regional Boundary Committee meeting that Thai officials will work hard to protect national interest, and that equality must be ensured for both Thailand and Cambodia

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