The situation in the far South should improve following Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's decision to concurrently hold the post of defence minister, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday.
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, left, and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (File photo)
"The decision [to take on the defence portfolio] lies with the prime minister and the government. We subordinates must respect the decision made by our superiors.
"I believe this decision will improve the southern situation because she can make decisions and issue orders immediately," Gen Prayuth said.
He also said the mid-year military reshuffle will be free of political influence.
The premier had already given an assurance the government will not intervene, he added.