Article 91

Generals now liable to immediate transfers

WASSANA NANUAM

The Defence Council yesterday agreed in principle to allow immediate transfers of military generals if their performance was found to be wanting.

Observers said this could be used as a weapon against the Fourth Army commander, given his failure to stop the violence in the South.

Maj-Gen Palangkoon Klaharn, deputy spokesman for the Defence Ministry, however, said the rule was aimed at ensuring efficiency, not targeting individuals.

''If we had to wait for the annual or mid-year reshuffle, it might be too long. Military generals can be transferred any day now if they fail to perform,'' he said. The council is chaired by Defence Minister Chettha Thanajaro.

A source said Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and his colleague Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya were not happy with Fourth Army commander Lt-Gen Pisarn Wattanawongkeeree, who had not managed to stop the southern violence.

Some people attempted to get Lt-Gen Pisarn transferred in the recent annual reshuffle but Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who handpicked the general for the job, opposed the move.

The army, meanwhile, yesterday proposed plans to the Defence Council to curb violence in three southern border provinces, according to Maj-Gen Palangkoon.

Special task forces in the three provinces would focus on psychological operations to reduce distrust among villagers.

''When violence erupts in any area, those responsible are required to enter the area.

''They will be accompanied by a psychological operation unit which will explain the situation to people,'' he said.

Maj-Gen Palangkoon said Gen Chettha would talk to the new army chief, Gen Pravit Wongsuwan, and the new police chief, Pol Gen Kowit Watana, about operations in the border provinces to boost efficiency, he said.

The plans, he said, would take about six months to put into effect.