Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai cleverly sidestepped concerns regarding his independence yesterday, firmly asserting that he stands by his own decisions. His remarks came in response to political observers who’ve raised eyebrows over his choice to appoint General Trisak Indararusmi, an old classmate of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as his secretary.
Phumtham emphasized that General Trisak, a seasoned advisor to the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), brings a wealth of experience and invaluable insights to the table. “However,” Phumtham stressed, “the final decision on any matter lies solely with me.”
The minister is also mulling over the addition of one or two aides to tackle routine administrative tasks, pointing out that both the adviser and assistant minister positions are currently vacant. He hinted that involving younger generations could be beneficial.
“Rest assured, no one wields influence over me. I maintain my independence,” Phumtham boldly declared. A longstanding member of the Pheu Thai Party, his appointment as Defence Minister is largely seen as being approved by Thaksin.
“I am entirely confident in my ability to work harmoniously with the military,” Phumtham added. He revealed that he has already engaged in discussions with top military leaders, expressing his eagerness to contribute to plans aimed at further developing and bolstering the nation’s military strength.
Phumtham also pointed out the substantial progress the military has made, including the adoption of cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and efforts to streamline the armed forces. However, he acknowledged that such transformations take time to bear fruit.
The Defence Ministry is committed to adhering to the national strategy for development and the government’s policy statement, Phumtham assured. As a part of his proactive approach, his first course of action involves visiting military personnel wounded in the line of duty. His itinerary also includes visits to various branches of the armed forces and a planned tour of the engineering corps and development units, which play a pivotal role in relief operations.
Phumtham’s claim of independence is laughable. How can he be independent when he’s appointing Thaksin’s old pals?
Well, he did emphasize that the decisions are ultimately his own. Maybe it’s possible he just values General Trisak’s experience?
But come on, it’s hard to believe there’s no influence at all from Thaksin, given their history.
Exactly, it’s very convenient to appoint someone with such close ties to Thaksin. Independence, my foot.
Everyone in politics says they’re independent, but actions speak louder than words. Let’s see how it plays out.
Appointing younger aides sounds like a smart move. New perspectives can really shake things up.
Or it could just be window dressing. Youth doesn’t always equal competence.
True, but fresh ideas can sometimes break the old cycle. It’s worth a shot.
Exactly, sometimes the old ways need a bit of rejuvenation. Change can be healthy.
Phumtham seems confident in his role, but the real test will be his ability to work harmoniously with the military leaders.
I agree, cooperation with the military is key. Their support can make or break his tenure.
He has already started talks with them. That’s a positive sign.
For sure, but discussions are just the first step. Implementation is where the real challenge lies.
I’m curious about the military’s adoption of new technology. Hope this doesn’t just mean more weapons but smarter strategies too.
Considering how fast tech evolves, military efficiency could really improve. Let’s hope they focus on intelligence and strategic advantage.
It’s not just about weapons! Technology can help in logistics, communication, and even relief operations. It’s about overall efficiency.
Visiting wounded military personnel first is a commendable act. Shows he understands the human element of the military.
Absolutely, it’s a respectful and empathetic move. It humanizes the role of Defence Minister.
Do people really believe politicians when they say they’re independent? Politics is all about influence and connections.
Sadly, that’s the truth. Independence in politics is a myth.
Some politicians do try to stay independent. It’s not always about corruption and influence.
Strip away the political drama, Phumtham is trying to modernize the military. That’s a step in the right direction.
The mention of involving younger generations caught my eye. With the right mentoring, we might actually see some positive changes.
Very true. Young professionals bring new energy, but they also need the guidance of experienced leaders.
If Phumtham is truly independent, why does he need aides appointed by the party? A true independent would choose on merit alone.
Politics is never that straightforward. There are always compromises and bargains to be made.
Phumtham claims it’ll help with routine tasks. Let’s wait and see how independent his decisions turn out to be.
Strengthening the military is essential, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of civil liberties!
Absolutely! There’s always a delicate balance. We should be vigilant about preserving rights.
The military’s progress in adopting new technology is impressive. But how will it affect the budget?
General Trisak’s appointment seems like a setup for inevitable conflict of interest. Phumtham’s independence is questionable at best.
I hope Phumtham’s visit to the engineering corps brings attention to the crucial role of non-combat military units.
Embedding tech into military operations can streamline processes but also opens avenues for cyber threats. More needs to be done on cybersecurity.
Let’s be real, every politician is a pawn of their party. If you think otherwise, you’re naive.