Defence minister announces new commanders in military reshuffle

A significant military reshuffle list is nearing completion, pending final adjustments from the new Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and his Deputy General Natthapol Nakpanich.

The proposed list, which includes appointments for new leaders of the armed forces and other high-ranking positions, was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday. This meeting saw the participation of six top commanders and officials from the ministry, along with current leaders of the armed forces.

Outgoing defence minister Sutin Klungsang chaired the meeting, which lasted approximately three hours, ending at 5pm.

For the army commander-in-chief position, the choices were narrowed down to General Tharaphong Malakham, an assistant army chief, and General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk, the army chief-of-staff.

Additionally, General Charoenchai nominated Lieutenant General Amarit Bunsuya, currently the commander of the 1st Army Corps, as the new 1st Army Region commander.

Lt. Gen. Amarit, with a long history at the 21st Infantry Brigade Queen’s Guard before rising to his current role, is recognised as a protégé of former prime minister and current privy council member General Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The source noted that Gen. Charoenchai faced considerable pressure in deciding his replacement due to differing expectations from various factions within and outside the army.

Navy Chief Admiral Adung Phan-iam confirmed his nomination of Adm. Chiraphon Wongwit, a special advisor to the Royal Thai Navy, as his successor during yesterday’s meeting. This decision came despite strong objections from several senior officials.

The primary concern raised against Adm. Chiraphon’s nomination was his foreign education, having graduated from a naval school in Germany. No previous navy commanders in Thailand have held a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution.

Adm. Adung, however, has chosen to overlook this tradition and left the shake-up issue to be decided by newly appointed Defence Minister Phumtham.

The military reshuffle must be finalised before the September 15 deadline, with the new commanders expected to assume their roles on October 1, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year, reported Bangkok Post.