Soldiers ready to serve new govt : Army Chief

"I won't talk about this. Let it be clear first before asking me this question," he said, referring to speculation that Samak would oversee the armed forces.

He said the armed forces were ready to serve under political office holders elected by the people.

"We serve the public by implementing policies set by policy makers and under the people's mandate," he said.

As subordinates, the armed forces had no issues with the government, he said.

Following a weekly meeting with military commanders, the Army chief flew to the South to monitor the progress on quelling violence.

He was accompanied by top Army leaders, including Army Chief of Staff General Montri Chompuchan.

He said the counter insurgency measures were on the right track and that he was willing to factor in any initiatives of the new government.

He said the situation improved because of the unified efforts by relevant agencies, including police and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre.

The Nation