Khattiya in defiance of Army discipline

"I think certain commanders want to please their superiors with the hope of getting promoted to the rank of general," he said.

Khattiya was reacting to today's move by a group of 11 regimental commanders to rally behind Army chief General Anupong Paochinda and reprimand him for criticising Anupong's leadership.

He said he understood Colonel Apirat Kongsompong, commander of the 11th Infantry Regiment for spearheading the campaign against him.

"I don't mind the commander since we are close and I understand he just wants to please the boss," he said.

He insisted the peerage pressure, such as the ban for his access to the First Infantry Division, had no impacts on him.