We have no involvement in picking defence : Army

Sansern dismissed speculation that Army chief General Anupong Paochinda was behind a push to name his predecessor General Pravit Wongsuwan for the defence portfolio.

"It is not Anupong's job to nominate the defence minister," he said.

Armed forces spokesman Maj General Wisanu Sriyaphan said it was up to the Democrat-led coalition to pick its defence minister.

The military have no preference for a certain individual, he said.

The military commanders, including Anupong, have no involvement in the government formation although they are hoping that the new defence minister will have an understanding of how the armed forces function, he said.