The reshuffle of army officials at the regiment-chief level signed recently by the new chief, Gen Chalermchai Sitthisart, has reflected the lasting influence of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, according to an army source.
A total of 307 changes in army positions were made in the latest reshuffle, which was partly in line with the policy for managing the 1st Army's forces left by the recently retired army chief, Gen Teerachai Nakwanich, the source said.
The regiment-level reshuffle, which follows the high-ranking shake-up of generals, contributes to the strengthening of the powerhouse within the army.
Gen Chalermchai has done nothing that would suggest he tried to push his close aides to get hold of the army's forces that remain under control of the so-called Wong Thewan Tigers of the Queen's Guard and the Burapha Phayak cliques, said the source.
The Wong Thewan and the Burapha Phayak groups are the main power camps in the army closely under the grip of Gen Prayut and Gen Prawit, said the source. One of the important changes in the latest army reshuffle was the promotion of Col Worayuth Kaeowibulphan, chief of the 21st Infantry Regiment, to deputy chief of the 2nd Infantry Division, the Queen's Guard, said the source.
Col Worayuth is now in line to become the head of the Burapha Phayak unit in the near future, said the source.
Col Worayuth is the leader of the team ensuring security for Gen Prayut when the PM travels outside of Bangkok, said the source.
Another crucial change was the promotion of Col Amarit Boonsuya, deputy chief of the 21st Infantry Regiment, to chief of the regiment, said the source.
Col Amarit, also dubbed a "Tiger of the Queen's Guard", has been working closely with Gen Prayut for a long time and helps direct the PM's security team.
Col Thawatchai Tangphithakkul, a former deputy chief of the 11th Infantry Regiment who had previously been moved to an inactive post, is now chief of the 31st Infantry Regiment.
Another related promotion was that of Col Songphol Sadsao-ngoen, chief of the 31st Infantry Regiment, as a deputy chief of the 1st Division, the King's Guard, said the source.
Col Songphol has previously worked with 1st Army commander Lt Gen Apirat Kongsompong.
A huge surprise in this reshuffle, however, was the promotion of Col Kanthachai Prachuap-aree, deputy chief of the 1st Division, the King's Guard, as a deputy chief of the 9th Infantry Division in Kanchanaburi province.