Change of command: Big Three need loyal successors
The Big Three need successors loyal to them to ensure that the change of command goes smoothly and that their successors do not stage a counter-coup. This writes Wassana Nanuam in an analysis, with which Bangkok Post opens today.
Wassana [always well informed] refers to the retirement of army commander and coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha and the top naval and air force on September 30. This takes place at a critical time, because next month an interim cabinet will take over power. And there is something else to take into account: many officers hope to get a promotion in September and you better keep them as a friend.
Political observers think Prayuth, former defense minister Prawit Wongsuwan and former army commander Anupong Paojinda are the main architects of the command changes and other promotions.
According to Wassana they are three hands on one belly [loosely translated] since they served with the 21st Infantry Regiment in Chon Buri at the beginning of their military career. They were also members of the so-called Burapha Phayak (Tigers of the East), a name used by current and former soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division (Queen's Guard) in Prachin Buri.
The three also put an end to the red shirt riots in 2010. Prawit was then defense minister in the Abhisit (Democrats) cabinet, Anupong was army commander and Prayuth was second in command.
Prayuth is expected to move to the post of interim prime minister, but will retain the leadership of the NCPO (junta). His successor as army commander is expected to be his second in command Udomdej Seetabutr; he is also a member of the Burapha Phayak.
Another candidate is Assistant Army Commander Paiboon Khumchaya, who has close ties to the NCPO adviser. And that's again..., but now I'll stop, because it's starting to rain names of men who all have ties with each other.
Wassana only discusses the succession of the current Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces General Tanasak Patimapragorn and that of the naval and air force commanders at the end of her analysis. She spends one paragraph on it.
(Source: bangkok mail, August 13, 2014)