Army chief still tightlipped on his successor

Sonthi said Prem stressed the importance of the Army upholding its integrity so that the public had confidence and faith in the military.

Asked if Prem gave any advice on the new chief, Sonthi said: "We did not discuss it, because it is our duty to think who is suitable."

He said potential candidates for the post are Assistant Army chief General Saprang Kalayanamitr, Assistant Army chief General Anupong Paochinda and Army chief of staff General Montri Sangkhasap.

Asked if there is a possibility that other candidates would be considered, Sonthi said, "No, not now."

Supreme Commander General Bunsang Niampradit said he believed any of the candidates would be acceptable.

Defence Minister General Boonrawd Somtas said he expected to receive the annual military reshuffle list by the end of this week, adding that whoever Sonthi proposed, there would not be any changes.

He denied reports that he favoured Anupong and that Sonthi preferred Montri as the new Army chief.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had earlier said he had given Sonthi the right to decide whom he wanted to pick as his successor and would not interfere.

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Top contenders for the post of Army commander-in-chief

1. General Winai Phattiyakul

Position: Defence Ministry permanent-secretary

Strength: Respected strategist and seen as the brains behind the junta.

Weakness: Limited experience in command position and prone to politicise military affairs.

2. General Saprang Kalayanamitr

Position: Assistant Army commander-in-chief

Strength: Unwavering loyalty to the military service and professionalism.

Weakness: Hard headed, identifying too close with the anti-Thaksin campaign to pull the Army out of the political quagmire.

3. General Anupong Paochinda

Position: Assistant Army commander-in-chief

Strength: Articulate leadership with extensive experience as a commanding officer.

Weakness: Once seen as close to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra before having a vital role in engineering the September 19 coup.

4. General Montri Sangkhasap

Position: Army chief of staff

Strength: Brilliant staff officer with a vast network of social connections and good public-speaking skills though preferring to remain low profile.

Weakness: Untested leadership in a critical situation and seen as willing to court politicians.