General disorder in army changes

The latest military reshuffle sprang some surprises, including the appointment of 3rd Army deputy commander Maj Gen Prakarn Chonlayuth, the Yala Taskforce chief, as first deputy of the 4th Army supervising the far South.

He is replacing Maj Gen Kitti Intasorn, a home-grown soldier in the insurgencyplagued region.

Maj Gen Kitti has been sitting nervously as the first deputy, hoping to get promoted this time around, or at least in April, as the regional commander.

Traditionally, the 1st deputy commander is given the post of regional commander.

Close aides of some policy makers have been known to be moved to a post for a short period of time to fulfil policies and are then ‘‘rewarded’’ with a promotion.

The selection of Maj Gen Prakarn, a close friend and classmate of the army chief’s brother, Lt Gen Preecha Chanocha, as the 4th Army deputy chief, has dashed Maj Gen Kitti’s hopes of getting a shot at the region commander post one day.

As a consolation, Maj Gen Kitti has been made the assistant chief-of-staff and his rank elevated to lieutenant general.

Maj Gen Prakarn could be joining the ranks of the army’s rising stars in the wake of Lt Gen Preecha’s appointment as 3rd Army commander in March.

Sources said army chief Gen Prayuth may not wish to see alumni of the Armed Forces Preparatory Academies School Class 14, of which Maj Gen Kitti is a member, head too many important posts for the sake of balance of power.

Several class members have already been assigned key posts in the latest reshuffle.

They include newly appointed 1st Army commander Lt Gen Teerachai Nakwanich, the new 2nd Army commander Lt Gen Charnchai Poothong, and the new Navy chief Narong Pipattanasai.

Among the well-known faces belonging to Class 14 are Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, the secretary-general of the National Security Council and chief delegate of the peace talks with Barisan Revolusi Nasional, and new defence permanent secretary Gen Nipat Thonglek .

However, Class 15 members are also strong contenders for top posts in the military.

Maj Gen Walit Rojanapakdi, who missed a promotion as the 1st Army commander this time round, could be a candidate for the post of 4th Army commander in the next reshuffle in April.

Both Maj Gen Prakarn and Maj Gen Walit are Class 15 members.

The source said the reason Maj Gen Kitti missed key promotions was not because he is incapable or inexperienced, or that Maj Gen Prakarn was completely flawless in terms of character.

Those in the know feel that promotions may not always be based on merit but on connections and familiarity with those in high office.

Maj Gen Prakarn was believed to be a perfect candidate, as he had already spent two years in the strife-torn deep South.

Maj Gen Prakarn was awarded the dis- tinguished Rama Honour Medal for his combat history in Nan against communist insurgents.

But people familiar with the southern problems feel the military is not the only agency contributing to the restoration of peace, progress and stability in the predominantly Muslim southern border region.

Agencies such as the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre and branches of all the ministries and also the police were no less important for the task.

Their coordination and collective approaches need improving to turn the wheel of peace forward.