On Thursday, Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej chose a hardliner as his country’s next military chief. The man is current deputy army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is believed to have been tough on the anti-government protests this past spring. The appointment means Prayuth is in a politically powerful position in a turmoil prone country.
PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty Images/FILE
The King’s decision comes as Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called for military openness and responsibility over its crackdown of the protests.
“The public expectation is very high, so the military must increase its capacity but it must also be accountable,” Abhisit said.
Prayuth is seen as an opponent of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire politician who fueled the protest movement.
“With hardliners in the military, the establishment is strong now,” said Chaturon Chaisaeng, a veteran politician with close ties to the opposition. “In the very near future, I don’t see much likelihood of violence.”
Prayuth is also a protege of General Prem Tinsulanonda, a former Army chief, who was prime minister between 1980 and 1988 and now heads the King Bhumibol’s privy council.
Prayuth is expected to takeover for Gen. Anupong Paochinda who is due to retire at the end of September.
Source: AFP, DPA
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