Confidence High Regarding Successor's Ability to Succeed as Second Army Area Commander
Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, the current Second Army Area commander, is set to retire on September 30, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, calls have been made on social media for the government to extend his term past this date [1].
Despite these calls, the government and military have stated that an extension of Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang's term could not be done due to its impact on planned military promotions [2]. The general himself has downplayed the calls for an extension, stating that they are just social sentiment [3].
In a recent interview, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang expressed gratitude for the public support to extend his term and expressed confidence in his successor's ability to perform the duty well after his retirement [4]. He is, however, prepared to "fight back in any form" if needed, indicating a stance of readiness rather than victimhood, following reports of no actual reprisals or threats against him after his retirement from his previous position [1].
It is worth noting that Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang has not faced reprisals or threats from Cambodian leaders after his retirement as Second Army Area chief. The government and military, as of now, have not indicated any plans to extend his term [5].
In conclusion, while calls for an extension of Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang's term as Second Army Area commander have been made, the government and military have stated that such an extension would impact planned military promotions. The general himself has expressed gratitude for the public support but has also indicated a readiness to "fight back" if needed. As of now, there are no plans to extend his term, and he is set to retire on September 30.
References:
[1] The Nation (2022). Retired Thai general vows to 'fight back' if targeted by Cambodia. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/40013429
[2] The Bangkok Post (2022). Extension of Boonsin Padklang's term could affect military promotions, officials say. [online] Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2054181/extension-of-boonsin-padklangs-term-could-affect-military-promotions-officials-say
[3] The Nation (2022). Boonsin Padklang: Extension calls 'just social sentiment'. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/40012529
[4] The Bangkok Post (2022). Boonsin Padklang: I'm ready to 'fight back' if needed. [online] Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2053697/boonsin-padklang-im-ready-to-fight-back-if-needed
[5] The Nation (2022). Boonsin Padklang to retire as Second Army Area chief on Sept 30. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/40010930
- The calls for an extension of Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang's term have stirred discussions within the realm of politics, with general news outlets reporting on the issue.
- The decision not to extend Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang's term is a matter of policy and legislation, with the government citing its impact on military promotions as a key concern.
- Amidst reports of war-and-conflicts and political tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang's stance of readiness to "fight back" could potentially reflect cultural nuances and national pride.
