Thailand’s king endorses annual reshuffle of 990 military leaders
As the first appointments since the king took the throne after the death of his father last year, the 2017 reshuffle was even more closely watched
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Friday endorsed the annual reshuffle of 990 senior military officers, with a balance of officers from different factions moving into top positions.
The reshuffle is always scrutinised carefully for indications as to which factions within the powerful military are in the ascendancy.
A 2014 coup reinforced the military’s authority and although elections are promised next year, a new constitution gives the generals an important say for years to come.
As the first appointments since the king took the throne after the death of his father last year, the 2017 reshuffle was even more closely watched.
General Sasin Thongpakdee, the current army chief of staff, who belongs to the army’s cavalry faction was appointed deputy army chief, according to the Thai government’s Royal Gazette.
Lieutenant General Apirat Kongsompong, the current commander of the first army who belongs to the powerful King’s Guard faction, was appointed assistant army chief.