Army chief Anupong Paochinda will replace Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as head of the state-of-emergency operations, in what seems to be a major gamble by besieged Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
The abrupt change followed an embarrassing incident yesterday morning when police commandos allowed red-shirt leaders staying at the SC Park Hotel to slip through their fingers. However, in a national address in the evening, Abhisit insisted that the change in the line of command had to do with what has become a new priority - terrorist threats.
Anupong apparently had been aware of the restructuring of the state-of-emergency command structure, as in the afternoon he called a meeting of top military officials - from the ranks of major-general and up - on Monday.
Government sources last night tried to play down Suthep's decreased role. It was agreed that the state-of-emergency operations should be carried out through a more concise chain of command, the sources said.
"Deputy Prime Minister Suthep is a civilian, and the situation has changed," said one source. "He will still play an important role, as key decisions must still come from the government. But to keep things moving fast and effectively, the line of command must be concise."
The government has been sticking with its "terrorism" claims since the bloodbath a week ago, which saw unprecedented Army casualties in a political crackdown. In his 12-minute national address last night to make the crucial announcement, Abhisit used the word "terrorist" or "terrorism" five times.
Anupong's appointment serves to reinforce the much-scrutinised claims and increased speculation about a "hunt" for those responsible for the death and injury toll of the Army.
His appointment, however, may also have a lot to do with his efforts to distance himself from the political turmoil as well as with Suthep's failure to get his commands through to the operating levels.
Abhisit yesterday was boosted by a public show of support. Thousands of pro-government demonstrators rallied outside the 11th Infantry Regiment in the morning to give him and the Army their backing.
