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Published on March 21, 2008

The royal command for the mid-year military reshuffle was released yesterday involving 383 positions in the Defence Ministry, the Supreme Command and the three wings of the armed forces.

Many officers seen as close to the junta were kicked upstairs to fill ceremonial positions while those seen as close to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to key assignments. The majority of Thaksin's military allies are Pre-Cadet Class 10 graduates.

General Somjet Boonthanom, director-general of the Defence Finance Department, was appointed chief adviser to the Defence Ministry. He used to serve as head of the Secretariat of the Council for National Security.

Maj-General Prin Suwanthat, a staunch supporter of Thaksin, will be an aide of Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej. He was transferred from the position of commander of the 1st Infantry Division to an inactive post following the seizure of power in September 2006.

Lt-General Sunai Sappatawanit, commander of the Special Warfare Command, was sidelined to an advisory position in the Army. He was handpicked by junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin in September to lead the crack troops.

Army commander-in-chief General Anupong Phaochinda yesterday cited "appropriateness" in Sunai's transfer. He declined to comment whether his transfer was aimed at pleasing any particular group of officers.

General Ninnart Beowkaimuk, an aide to former interim prime minister Surayud Chulanont, received his new assignment as Army expert.

Samak yesterday refused to guarantee that the Army chief would remain in his seat until his mandatory retirement in the next three years

The defence minister said that he had once commented that Anupong could be in his office until his retirement but that did not mean it was assured. "Do you want him to be replaced in a year?" Samak snapped at a reporter asking about Anupong's term. "I can't say exactly that the Army chief will be in office until his retirement in three years."

Samak has just returned from an official visit to Singapore, during which the Army chief accompanied him.

Panya Thiewsangwan

The Nation