Thamarak questions officers'
Caretaker Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura yesterday criticised four senior military officers for unbecoming conduct after they claimed political interference in planned military rotations.
"I am annoyed with the four," he said, wryly questioning whether they had been instilled with discipline during cadet military training.The four officers are Lt-General Wisanu Prayoonporn, Rear Admiral Itthichai Sripan, Air Vice Marshal Surakij Chansen and Air Vice Marshal Prasith Thananaken. Thamarak wondered if the officers' commander, Defence deputy permanent secretary Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, condoned their comments. They made headlines last week after petitioning Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda. They sought his intervention to stop alleged political interference in military assignments. Acting in defiance of a Thamarak order not to pursue the matter, they submitted additional evidence of alleged meddling on Friday. Defence permanent secretary General Sirichai Thanyasiri said he had studied a report into the officers' conduct and their petition. Sirichai said the four might have violated the chain of command and could face a disciplinary review. "By tomorrow, it will become clear about a disciplinary panel and possible charges ," he said. He said it was too early to speculate on any penalties that may be imposed.
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