Three Pors impact in army ‘diminished’
The result of the latest annual military reshuffle shows that the power of the “three brothers in arms” provides diminished as they experienced little say in key army meetings, according to a source.
The trio — known as the “Three Por” generals — refers to suspended excellent minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, acting premier Prawit Wongsuwon and Indoor Minister Anupong Paojinda and their influence over the military.
A regal command appointing 765 officers in the yearly reshuffle was released in the Royal Gazette yesterday. Of these, 300 are new major generals, 17 of whom are usually women. The visits will take effect through Oct 1 .
Sanitchanok: Defence perm-sec
The source said army key Gen Narongphan Jitkaewthae had more authority in the appointment of personnel to essential army positions, which includes deputy army key, chief of staff members, assistant army chief and the commanders of the 1st, 3rd and 4th Armies.
The promotion of Maj Gen Phana Klaewplodthuk, 1st Army deputy commander, in order to commander is a just to illustrate.
The first Army is known to be considered a key unit, controlling troops in twenty six provinces in the Central Plains Region, Eastern and West, using its HQ in Bangkok.
Phana: 1st Army commander
The promotion of Maj Gen Phana is unexpected, given that Lt Gen Tharapong Malakham, the particular army’s 1st Corps commander, was the majority of favoured for the job, but shunted towards the post of an military special adviser, the source said.
Luxury touring Gen Tharapong came from the Burapha Phayak (Tigers of the East) group — a nickname given to the military clique mounted on the 2nd Infantry Division, the Queen’s Guard. Gen Prayut, Style Prawit and Gen Anupong are people of this clique.
Despite this, Luxury touring Gen Tharapong was still passed over for a promotion, showing the power of the trio has diminished, the source said.
Alongkorn: Surroundings Force chief
The first Army commander should concurrently serve as the main of staff in a special task push under Royal Guard 904, of which army chief Gen Narongphan is commander.
Before his advertising, Maj Gen Phana finished special schooling to become a royal guard last month.
Moreover, he or she and the army chief once served in the 31st Infantry Routine, the King’s Safeguard, in Lop Buri.
However , Gen Sanitchanok Sangkachan, deputy permanent admin for defence, who might be known to have close up ties with the trio, has been promoted because permanent secretary and it is expected to remain in the positioning until 2025.
Choengchai: Navy commander
Additional key appointments are usually: ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, assistant air push commander named air flow force commander, plus Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, assistant navy commander named navy commander.