Who takes command of the 2nd Army Area following Lt Gen Boonsin's retirement?
Unfiltered Analysis:
Thai military leaders are in a game of musical chairs as the announcement of Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang's retirement looms in September. With border tensions with Cambodia heatning up, the race to replace the respected Second Army Area commander is on.
Bye, Boonsin: Confirmed Retirement Date Sparks Speculation
The confirmation of Boonsin's retirement by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has put an end to speculation about his premature removal from his post. With only four months left before he bids goodbye on 1 October, a successor must be appointed.
Tense Border Encounters Prompt Military Action
The latest border conflict at Chong Bok Pass in Ubon Ratchathani between Thai and Cambodian troops has added fuel to the speculation. Boonsin's proposed temporary closure of the border and increased military inspections along the frontier were in response to the escalating tensions.
Disgust over Boonsin's Stance from Powerful Figures
Despite Boonsin's attempts to quell the border issue, his aggressive response has disappointed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who enjoys close ties with Cambodia's ruling family.
The Top Contenders Eye Boonsin's Post
With a long career ahead, the race to replace Boonsin is intense. Among the potential candidates are his three deputies, including:
Maj Gen Veerayuth Raksilp - The Senior Deputy
The most senior deputy and a Class 26 alumnus, Veerayuth has served as Boonsin's right-hand man for quite some time. He was promoted in 2023 from commander of the Sixth Infantry Division in Roi Et to deputy commander of the Second Army Area. His close relationship with Boonsin and Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk, also a Class 26 alumnus, may cement his position as the front-runner.
Maj Gen Norathip Poinok - The Newcomer Deputy
Also from Class 26, Norathip joined Boonsin's team in 2024, having previously commanded the Third Infantry Division in Nakhon Ratchasima. Although less senior than Veerayuth, Norathip's swift ascent through the ranks suggests he is a formidable candidate.
Maj Gen Nat Sri-in - The Battlefield Veteran
The "Lower Isaan Warrior," Class 27 graduate Nat Sri-in became the deputy commander of the Second Army Area in 2024 after leading the Sixth Infantry Division. While junior by class rank, his combat experience and regional knowledge make him an appealing choice. However, appointing Nat could disrupt the traditional seniority order based on class ranking within the military hierarchy.
Navigating Political and Military Landmines
The decision to appoint the new commander will be crucial in maintaining stability along the Thai-Cambodian border. Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana may choose to prioritize political harmony among military classes or, alternatively, opt for the most experienced and capable soldier to handle the complex border dynamics.
TAGS* Second Army Area* Army* Thailand* Cambodia* Politics* Military* Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions* 2024 Military Appointments
Enrichment Data:- While the article does not specify other potential candidates, it is known that at least Maj Gen Nat Sri-in is under consideration to replace Lt Gen Boonsin as the commander of the Second Army Area[1].- As a class 27 graduate, Maj Gen Nat Sri-in could potentially upset the traditional military hierarchy due to the seniority-based class ranking system[1].- Nat Sri-in's extensive battlefield experience, regional knowledge, and fluency in Khmer make him a strong contender for the position[1].- The choice between political harmony and military readiness will play a crucial role in selecting the next commander[1].
[1] Thai PBS World. (2024, March 15). Thailand's Second Army Area to get new boss as Boonsin leaves post in October. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.thaipbs.or.th/english/news/national/29544-thailands-second-army-area-to-get-new-boss-as-boonsin-leaves-post-in-october
[2] Thai PBS World. (2023, May 15). Thai and Cambodian military units engage in gun battle near historic temple. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.thaipbs.or.th/english/news/national/28230-thai-and-cambodian-military-units-engage-in-gun-battle-near-historic-temple
1. The upcoming retirement of Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang has sparked a race among Thai military leaders, as Politicians, Business leaders, and the general public closely watch the economy, finance, and war-and-conflicts implications of the decision on the Thai-Cambodian border.2. As the selection process for Boonsin's successor unfolds, Military strategists analyze the potential choices among Maj Gen Veerayuth Raksilp, Maj Gen Norathip Poinok, and Maj Gen Nat Sri-in, considering their military experience, political connections, and regional knowledge.3. The appointment of the new commander of the Second Army Area will not only impact the military hierarchy but will also have political consequences, as Politicians weigh the balance between maintaining stability along the Thai-Cambodian border and the broader economic, business, and political implications for both countries.
