Bangkok: The board of six Ministry of Defence officials has signed off on a significant military reshuffle, as confirmed by the commander of the armed forces. The approval marks a strategic realignment of key military positions to reflect current geopolitical needs.
According to Thai News Agency, the reshuffle will see Ukrit appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Seksan as the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, and Pairoj as the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy. The decision also includes the promotion of Generals Worayot and Wirayut, who are poised to address the Cambodian border situation. Observers are also closely monitoring the competition between Amornrat and Narongrit for the Army Commander-in-Chief role in 2027.
Reporters noted that General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Defense, chaired a meeting at 1:35 PM to discuss general-rank transfers. Attendees included General Snitchanok Sangkhachan, General Songwit Noonpakdee, General Pana Klaewplodthuk, Admiral Chirapol Wongwit, and Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi Pattanakul. The meeting, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, was followed by a Defense Council meeting at 2:20 PM, coinciding with the Constitutional Court's ruling on Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra's dismissal from office.
General Natthapol confirmed that this was the final meeting on general transfers, with discussions proceeding smoothly and meeting the target of reducing senior-level officers. The plan aims to cut down the number of generals from 756 in 2008 to 378 by 2028. However, details remain undisclosed, pending a royal command.
The reshuffle aligns with the proposals of the armed forces commanders, emphasizing the need for a combat-ready army capable of addressing current border tensions. Unlike typical reshuffles based on seniority, this one considers knowledge, capabilities, and personality.
General Natthapol assured that the Thai-Cambodian border demands have been considered and confirmed that the list of transfers was signed along with the commanders of the armed forces. The reshuffle adheres to the 2008 Ministry of Defense Organization Act, unaffected by the Cabinet's resignation.
The meeting concluded with gratitude expressed towards unit commanders for their support, emphasizing readiness to assist flood-affected regions and address the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
Reporters further detailed the approved military transfers, including General Tharapong Malakham as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, General Ukrit Boontanon as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, and Admiral Pairoj Fueangchan as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy. The Royal Thai Army will see promotions within its ranks, with key appointments for Generals Chitsanupong Rodsiri, Amorn Bunsuya, Narongrit Kamphira, Chaiyaphruek Duangpraphat, Worayot Leungsuwan, and Wirayut Raksin.