Thai military not happy with People Power Party win

WASSANA NANUAM
The result of the election has upset the military's top brass, including army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, who are worried about the People Power party (PPP) taking revenge for the Sept 19 coup last year.
The uneasy atmosphere in the barracks was revealed yesterday by military sources as the PPP, a reincarnation of the Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) toppled by the coup, moves closer to coming to power. Top officers are worried, particularly about their futures in the military reshuffle next year.
Gen Anupong suddenly became irritated when asked by reporters to comment on what would happen to the army under a PPP-led government.
''I'll not answer. I'll say nothing,'' the army chief said.
Gen Anupong, one of the key men in the coup, had earlier said he would not be worried if the PPP forms the next government and ruled out the possibility of another coup.
He made it clear when he assumed the top army job in September that the army would not interfere in politics, a stance which earned him the tag of ''good guy'' from PPP leader Samak Sundaravej.
Analysts expect Gen Anupong to lead the army until the military reshuffle in September next year and then be transferred to head the Supreme Command or to become permanent secretary for defence.
Outgoing deputy prime minister and former chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin could also be prevented from playing any active role in politics, a military source said.
Gen Sonthi reportedly rushed off to meet Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda late at night on election day. Gen Sonthi led the coup group which toppled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was alleged to be involved in massive corruption, as Mr Thaksin was attending a United Nations meeting in New York.
Other CNS members, including air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk, permanent secretary for defence Gen Winai Phattiyakul, navy commander Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont, supreme commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit and deputy permanent secretary for defence Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr, may escape any retribution from a new government as they will retire next year.
Some military sources said a PPP-led government, if successfully formed, would not resort to harsh action against the military because it would lead to a serious conflict. However, there will be changes at the top in the military.