New weapons procurements and the military reshuffle will be on the agenda for talks today between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the armed forces heads.
Ms Yingluck will meet Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak Patimapakorn, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, navy commander Adm Surasak Rounroengrom, air force chief ACM Itthaporn Subha-wong, Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat and permanent secretary for defence Gen Sathian Permthong-in, a source said.
They are meeting at the Royal Thai Armed Forces' headquarters on Chaeng Watthana Road.
Ms Yingluck wants to establish a ritual of meeting the military chiefs every two months for "casual talks".
One topic on the agenda today is a new armed forces development plan and a new package to purchase weapons.
Another issue to be discussed is the military reshuffle list that needs to be finished and forwarded to Ms Yingluck by mid-August, the source said.
Two key vacancies to fill by the end of September are the permanent secretary for defence and the air force commander posts, the source said.
Candidates would be nominated to succeed Gen Sathian who is due to retire on Sept 30, the source said.
Gen Chatree Thatti _ currently a deputy to Gen Sathian _ is expected to emerge as the new permanent secretary for defence.
However, Gen Prayuth might also nominate his deputy and assistant, Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan and Gen Thanongsak Apirakyothin, for the position, the source said.
As for the potential candidates for the new air force chief, ACM Itthaporn was expected to nominate his assistant, ACM Prajin Jantong with whom ACM Sukumpol might not be happy because ACM Prajin is seen as a protege of the Sept 19, 2006 coup makers.