The announcement by General Sirichai Thanyasiri, permanent secretary for defence, has triggered concerns the ministry might have deviated from the recommendations of the armed forces commanders and amended the line-up of top military officers.

If changes were made, the ministry would need to notify the respective commanders before submitting the list of rotations for royal approval via the prime minister, military observers said.

The new military line-up was expected to be complete next week, Sirichai said, following consultation with the commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force plus the Supreme Commander.

"All key positions have been filled including the post of permanent secretary for defence," he said, referring to a fierce contest to replace him after he retires next month.

Sirichai refused to reveal his successor, tipped to be either his deputy, Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, or Joint Chief of Staff Gen Lertrat Ratanavanich.

Speculation about political meddling in the annual reshuffle has spread since military commanders submitted their recommendations for key positions last month.

Caretaker Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura insisted politics would be kept out of the reshuffle, but rumours have persisted that caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants to promote Pre-Cadet Class 10 officers, seen as his staunch allies.