Supreme Commander Tanasak Patimapragorn yesterday said his Myanmar counterpart harboured no ill-feelings over an audio clip in which he was mentioned as part of a scheme to exploit Myanmar's Dawei project.
Tanasak: ‘Still friendly’ with Min Aung Hlaing
Gen Tanasak said Gen Min Aung Hlaing looked unconcerned about the audio clip issue when they met on Monday.
He said he is scheduled to meet the Myanmar supreme commander again tomorrow during a football friendly to strengthen military ties.
"He didn't say anything [when we met on July 8]," he said.
"He remains as friendly as usual.
"I can assure that he understands."
The 30-minute clip started circulating via social media last Saturday. It is believed to be a conversation between ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Deputy Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa.
The voices discussed a range of issues including a plan to push for an amnesty bill, the military's annual reshuffle and the Dawei port project.
The conversation touched on the possibility of using their links with Gen Min Aung Hlaing to influence Myanmar leaders over the Dawei project and other issues.
Gen Tanasak also called on the media to be sensitive when reporting on the clip to avoid causing misunderstandings with neighbouring countries.
However, the supreme commander said he himself did not take the audio clip seriously. He has known Gen Yutthasak for quite a long time.
"Even if [what was heard in the clip] was said to me in person or I heard it first hand, I wouldn't be angry. I wouldn't care," Gen Tanasak said.
He said he would not be able to focus on his work if he was overwhelmed by criticism, and that he had never wanted to discuss the clip controversy.
According to the conversation on the clip, the government was deemed to wield control over the military.
He said the clip would not cause any problems with military leaders and Gen Yutthasak.
"The military will do its duty and abide by the law. The leaders of the three armed forces will say the same thing," he said.
The supreme commander was speaking during a visit to an army training ground in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Gen Tanasak also distanced the military from alleged collusion in a plot to bring Thaksin home.
Based on the clip contents, the military was part of a plan to push for an amnesty law that could help Thaksin return to Thailand.
"We are not the Justice Ministry. We are not the police," he said.
"There is a law dictating what we are required to do."