Thailand's Army Chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda on Tuesday voiced readiness to work under the Samak Sundaravej government and declined to comment if the prime minister would hold the concurrent position of defense minister.
Anupong, the close aide of former army chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin who launched a military coup ousting then premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said on Tuesday that the armed forces were ready to serve under political office holders elected by the people.
"We serve the public by implementing policies set by policy makers and under the people's mandate," Anupong was quoted by local news network The Nation as saying.
However, while asked about the new defense minister post which was reportedly to be taken by Samak himself, the army chief said he would not comment on the issue.
"I won't talk about this. Let it be clear first before asking me this question," he said, referring to speculation that Samak would oversee the armed forces.
Source: Xinhua
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