CNS deputy chairman Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukphasuk said the CNS did not ask for salaries or any benefits and it was the Finance Ministry that proposed them.

He believed it was neither right nor appropriate to obtain another salary as they were already receiving one salary from the military.

However, he saw nothing wrong with military officials sitting on the board of state enterprises. Citing the case of Army deputy chief General Saprang Kallayanamit, who is chairman of the Telephone Organisation of Thailand board, he said as communication involved security issues, a military man was qualified to do that job.

He said although military men who seized power in the past have never awarded themselves salaries, this is a new proposal, which is not "too ugly".

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula defended the salary payment to the CNS saying that as they have duties and responsibilities, it is fair they are paid for their work.

He said he should not be criticised for the salary payments as he was only following the government's policy.

"The policy says anyone who holds a permanent position must be paid. You have to ask the prime minister. I have only the duty to set the figure,'' he said.

Apart from the CNS, the Cabinet also approved salaries to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the Assets Examination Committee, the Constitution Drafting Assembly and the Constitution Tribunal.

NLA speaker Meechai Ruchuphan said the NLA members who are government officials can earn another salary because they are carrying out two jobs and had two different roles.

He said that in the past also members had earned two salaries, and he supported the move to pay the CNS.

"They work and have responsibilities, why shouldn't they get paid?'' he said.