“Phumtham” believes that if he gets the “Ministry of Defense” position, he will make the army belong to the people.

Phumtham" insists he has proven himself for 50 years after Gen. Somjet objected to sitting in the "Ministry of Defence" because he had been in the jungle. He believes that if he really gets the seat, he will make the army belong to the people. Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, acting as the Prime Minister, spoke about the case of General Somjet Boonthanom, a former member of the Senate, who came out to oppose and disagree with Mr. Phumtham's appointment as Minister of Defense because he was once one of the students who went into the forest. He said that he must first say that nothing is certain yet. What position he will hold depends on the Prime Minister to decide. However, assuming that he is the Minister of Defense, he understands that General Somjet, who came out to write about this matter, as well as many others, he understands their intentions, who still love the institution he used to be a part of. Therefore, he wants everyone to ease their concerns. However, h e thinks that he used to go into the forest during the time of violence in society, which was evident throughout the world. Going in was to escape the violence, and he was not the only one. There were students from almost every institution. At that time, the leaders of the armed forces thought that these methods would not solve the problem. They should open a way for everyone to come back. He believes that everyone has pure hearts, so everyone came back. Since then, he has not been involved in anything else. He has proven himself for the past 50 years. What he is doing today is based on the country and its people. He believes that he has never conflicted with anyone and he believes in the intentions of all parties, especially the military. I believe that if we have good intentions for what will happen, which will benefit the country and the people, we will not have any conflicts. If I am in the Ministry of Defense, I will make the army an army that can be with the people, helping the people in times of hardsh ip. Please wait and see how it is, and I believe that as a person, I will be able to talk with all branches of the military. Mr. Phumtham said about the list of cabinet ministers that it is now complete, but the process is not yet complete. As for whether it will be submitted for royal endorsement on September 4, it depends on the process of whether the prime minister will decide to switch positions, who will go where or not. Right now, there are many cabinet lists, which the prime minister will decide when the names are selected. Then, there will be coordination according to the process on how to submit them for royal endorsement. After that, it will be under the royal power. When His Majesty approves, everything will be quick. If His Majesty approves, wait until they have taken the oath. I think the first cabinet meeting will be able to meet immediately. It is not necessary to wait until Tuesday. The first cabinet meeting will appoint the new secretary-general to the prime minister, including discussing po licies that will be submitted to the House of Representatives. He emphasized that the various steps will be completed by September 15, plus or minus no more than 3 days. We want to do it as quickly as possible so that problem-solving does not stop. As for the secretary to the prime minister, will it not be the same person? Mr. Phumtham said that he spoke according to the process, according to his acting duties, and had appointed Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej as secretary to the prime minister according to the government he was overseeing. Once the new cabinet is finished, all our positions will disappear. But whether they will come back or not is something the prime minister will decide. Find a new cabinet to come in and work, whether it is old or new, it is up to him. Source: Thai News Agency