The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Friday impeached former defence minister ACM Sukhumpol Suwanatat for political meddling in the appointment of a defence permanent secretary in 2012.
NLA members voted to retroactively remove ACM Sukhumpol from his post for abuse of power during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. In the vote, 159 NLA members voted in favour, 27 opposed the move, and one member abstained.
ACM Sukhumpol is now banned from holding any political office for five years.
The impeachment was brought about by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which charged him with abusing his power over the appointment of Gen Thanongsak Aphirakyothin as defence permanent secretary in 2012.
The anti-graft panel determined he had interfered in the ministry's internal transfer policy, thereby violating the 2007 charter and the code of conduct dictating transfers within the ministry.
Before the annual military reshuffle in October 2012, it was reported that ACM Sukhumpol wanted Gen Thanongsak, the then-assistant army chief, to succeed Gen Sathian Phoemthong-in as defence permanent secretary.
However, Gen Sathian wanted his deputy Gen Chatree Thatti to replace him.
On Aug 27, 2012, ACM Sukumpol transferred Gen Sathian, Gen Chatree and Gen Pinphat Siriwat -- then director of the Defence Secretariat -- who were reportedly in charge of compiling the annual military reshuffle list, to inactive posts.
Gen Thanongsak was subsequently appointed defence permanent secretary.