Defence: Thaksin not meddling

Published: 1 Sep 2012 at 13.50
Online news:

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat has denied reports that fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was behind the transfer of the ministry's permanent secretary to an inactive post.

ACM Sukumpol insisted that Thaksin had nothing to do with the appointment of the new permanent secretary for defence to replace Gen Sathian Phoemthongin.He said work at the ministry had not been disrupted as the acting permanent secretary, Gen Witthawas Rachatanant, had full decision-making authority, the same as a full-time permanent secretary.ACM Sukumpol also brushed aside questions about whethert the transfer orders he had issued had created a rift in the armed forces.He insisted that the annual military reshuffle list had been made in line with the regulations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.Speculation over who is calling the shots at the Defence Ministry has been growing since last Monday, when ACM Sukumpol issued an order transferring Gen Sathian, deputy permanent secretary Gen Chatree Thatti, and Secretariat Department director-general Gen Pinpas Sariwat to work at his office. The three positions are considered inactive posts.It was reported that the transfers stemmed from a conflict between the minister and Gen Sathian over the nomination of the next permanent secretary.ACM Sukumpol supports assistant army chief Gen Thanongsak Apirakyothin while Gen Sathian, who is retiring, backed his deputy, Gen Chatree. Gen...

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johninbkk
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Discussion 17 : 01 Sep 2012 at 23.0217
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"Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday that the conflict at the Defence Ministry reflected attempts to intervene in the military reshuffle, which should be free of political influence."
In western democratic nations, the military is entirely subservient to the elected government. The elected leaders have full control over any military reshuffles. Remember when a certain American general made fun of Mr Obama in Rolling Stone magazine? He didn't last long.
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fundeena
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Discussion 16 : 01 Sep 2012 at 22.0416
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The lady PM makes all decisions regarding these men's positions in Thailand.
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cocoricco
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Discussion 15 : 01 Sep 2012 at 21.2215
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Nepotism and patronage damage the country as much as kickbacks and corruption.
This government with all it's democratic hot air and lip service conducts itself with no transparency or honesty.
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howell
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Discussion 14 : 01 Sep 2012 at 20.0014
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All it needs is for Thaksin to deny it then we know for sure he is meddling.....as ever.
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englishjon
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Discussion 13 : 01 Sep 2012 at 19.1813
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Yet more lies from PT - but these are not little white ones.

They are very big, very dirty black ones from Sukumpol.

I hope people are recording these statements for subsequent prosecutions when Thailand has a real government.
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soltair
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Discussion 12 : 01 Sep 2012 at 18.5912
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One word suffices: Pinocchio.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 11 : 01 Sep 2012 at 17.5611
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It is impossible that Thaksin is meddling in this transfer or anything else in Thailand. Here are the proofs:
- If even our Foreign Minister can’t find Thaksin (to get him back to jail) he must be well hidden probably somewhere in the middle of a desert
- Our PM, his little sister, told us numerous times that she is the one who makes the decisions
- Thaksin himself assured us all many time that he is not involved in Thai politics anymore. As we all know he only ever made one honest mistake in his life so we must believe him!
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democrazy
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Discussion 10 : 01 Sep 2012 at 16.3210
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Gen.Sathian will retire at 1.10.12. Why was it necessary to transfer him ?
Arrogant tyrants kick their servants around like slaves.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 9 : 01 Sep 2012 at 16.219
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Given the historical background, Thaksin, as the most powerful individual in Thai politics, will almost certainly be influencing the reshuffle, people expect the army to fall in line and take their orders from an elected govt, but when that govt is meddling, and promoting loyalty over merit, it's reasonable to expecting the military to resist, and if taken too far, to take the law into their own hands. Respect is earned not inherited at the ballot.
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Mr.T

Discussion 8 : 01 Sep 2012 at 15.318
Just like what they done with the "old police chief"
from iPhone application.
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