The government must show its commitment to reforming the armed forces by promoting changes to the so-called” super board” of defense, according to the Move Forward Party ( MFP).
The seven-member panel, which consists of five military leaders and two major defense officials, has the authority to decide whether to move or not to promote generals during the annual overhaul of military posts, which, according to observers, enables the defense to ingrain coups in politics.
Tanadej Pengsuk, a MFP MP for Bangkok and assistant chairman of the House committee on military affairs, claimed the MFP had proposed a bill that would limit the very club’s “absolute” authority to approve offers and reshuffles, a walk he claimed has received criticism from some circles.
According to the military, “every branch of the armed forces is actually a national defense unit equivalent to any other government agencies,” he said.” Political leaders should not interfere with the armed forces ‘ internal affairs,” the military warned.
“[As such, ] why should the armed forces be untouchable? “
What authority does the defense minister have when it comes to reviewing and approving a military reshuffle, if the super board is [above the minister ]? ” said Mr Tanadej.
Separately, Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang stated that the government has put forth several bills to facilitate the armed forces ‘ reform.
One of the bills allows the prime minister to appoint military personnel who are suspected of plotting a coup.
When asked why the bill only aims to promote the ; According to Mr. Sutin, the power to suspend an officer from duty as opposed to to dismiss the officer altogether is with His Majesty the King, as generals are appointed by the monarch.
Regarding the Defence Council, which has received a lot of negative reviews for having too much power, Mr. Sutin said another bill would look into adding two members to the council, bringing the total number of council members to five.
Mr. Sutin said that even two seats are too much in response to the opposition’s claim that two new members wo n’t be enough to balance out the power of the armed forces’ top brass.