"Sutin" declares the military is ready to follow government policy. Said he felt more comfortable after talking with the troops. Viewed as a new generation Stated that the reduction of military conscription will have immediate results. Prepare to overhaul the military's public relations work - go on tour to listen to opinions.
Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense Gave an interview about traveling with Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. To talk with the commander of the armed forces that in the case of going to talk about the situation of the country Ask questions and exchange each other's needs. which the political side has stated Want to push for various policies such as changing military conscription to a voluntary form Working together to develop the army to be more reliant on the people. Including asking about the needs of the army. What things do you want the government to support? Including are there any concerns or obstacles regarding the government's policies? The military has the same opinion as the government. that he himself has always improved the organization I don't have any objections. and are willing to comply with government policy As for whether to do it slowly or quickly? It will reflect to the government the problems and allow the government to help.
When asked when the above will see concrete results, Mr. Suthin said that concrete results will be seen immediately. For example, Changing the military conscription system to a voluntary one In April 2024, there will be military conscription again. We will definitely see the conscription rate decrease from before and will gradually disappear until only voluntary entry into the army remains. Including reducing the size of the army. Society views that the army has too many generals. As far as talking with the army He has a plan to reduce this part by 2027 or in this government. The army will be compacted. Many generals will disappear. What percentage will it be? The army is making numbers for you to see. And in the past he already had a plan. But it hasn't been publicized yet. And as we talked, when the Prime Minister listened to the opinions of the military, he was relieved.
When asked if he was worried about controlling the army, Mr. Suthin said that at first he was worried, but now he's much more at ease. Because of working with disciplined people, he is easy to talk to and as far as talking with army commanders. They are a new generation with new ideas. It was considered a good moment for him to develop. As for the policy to bring out the military to increase their role Develop to be dependent on the people He accepted that it was already a mission for the army. Because poverty is a kind of danger. If the army is willing to take action, such as using soldiers to participate in solving the drought, they are ready to bring unused military land to the people for farming. Or let other agencies use it, such as having the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives develop the area as a water source. They are happy, but the government must manage the regulations. Including the fight against drugs. Soldiers have always taken on this role. He was happy to respond to government policy. It is generally considered a good atmosphere. Make sure that The military will play a role in helping solve the country's problems together with the government. and from talking What both the political and military sides agree on is that the military needs to overhaul its public relations work. Because in the past the army has done many useful things. But society knows another thing. This causes society to have a bad attitude towards the military.
Mr. Suthin also said that after talking with the future commander of the armed forces After this I will meet Air Chief Marshal Sukamphon Suwannatat, former Minister of Defense, as well as General Chettha Thanajaro and are coordinating to meet with Gen. Wichit Yathip and Gen. Chawalit Yongchaiyudh. In addition, they will Meet with security experts such as Mr. Surachat Bamrungsuk and Mr. Pramote Nakornthap to listen to various perspectives. In the area of security further.
Source: Thai News Agency