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Published on September 7, 2007

Among many candidates, one may have a certain special talent, while others have their own strong points.

If job performance was the only criterion, the task would be a lot easier, because the candidates' achievements are on the record, and it's easy to tell the disappointed why they missed the train.

But in Thai society, it's not that easy, particularly in such a big traditional organisation as the Royal Thai Army. That explains why each September, speculation runs rampant ahead of the Army's announcement of annual promotions.

And this year, the rumours are hotter than ever. After all, this is one year after the coup, when many officers who played a pivotal role should be rewarded.

Still, the person who will succeed Army Chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin must be required to pass an obvious qualification test. But even though the Army controls such a huge budget and a large number of people, little is known to the outside world about what exactly the criteria are for selection.

Now the press is speculating that General Winai Phattiyakul could be appointed Army chief, given his respected strategic talent.

General Saprang Kalayanamitr is also on the candidate list, due to his unwavering loyalty to the military.

Meanwhile, General Anupong Paochinda carries some weight for his articulate leadership.

And General Montri Sangkhasap is a brilliant officer with a vast network of social connections.

Sonthi will retire at the end of the month, but the appointment is still up in the air.

The Army chief must be having a hard time making a decision.

In the business world, a company's board picks the new chief executive.

This is much easier than picking the Army chief, because past performance is at the top of the list of criteria. A proven record of achievement allows the CEO of a small company to climb the career ladder to become the CEO of a large one.

I'm toying with an idea

to help Sonthi make a decision.

All soldiers as well as all Thai citizens should be allowed to cast a vote, like when we go to the polling booth.

Then whether the man with the highest vote does his job well or not, Sonthi will not have to take the blame.

Sonthi might wish the issue was as easy as that. So much is at stake, though, aside

from seniority and performance.

achara_d@nationgroup.com