The armed forces are planning to cut the number of generals by 25% by 2029.

At present, the number of generals across the three branches of the armed forces, as well as the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the Defence Ministry is estimated to be about 1,400. This figure has remained largely unchanged since about a decade ago.

Of these, 400 generals work in the Royal Thai Army (RTA), 250 in the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), 190 in the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), 250 in the RTARF and 300 in the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Defence.

To achieve the target, the RTARF said the armed forces have agreed to start small by targeting a 5–10% cutback in the number of generals.

Also, the military leaders agreed two weeks ago that the appointment of "experts, specialists and special experts" who usually hold the rank of general will be aggressively cut. When these senior officers retire, they will not be replaced.

These "experts, specialists and special experts" positions come with allowances ranging between 20,000 and 30,000 baht per month, said the source.

The source said it remains to be seen if the plan can be implemented.