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Change in Thailand Military Leadership

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THAILAND has announced its latest annual military reshuffle across the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence, involving a total of 808 senior officers. Key promotions include senior officers taking pivotal roles within the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an emphasis on technological and operational advancements. 

Notable positions include the appointment of General Pana Claewplodtook as new Chief of Army and Admiral Jirapol Wongwit as the new Chief of Navy.

In the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence, notable appointments include Gen Adinan Chaiyarerk, Gen Tharapong Malakam, and Air Chief Marshal Surarit Kitchathorn, all serving as Deputy Permanent Secretaries.

The government has submitted the names of the 808 officers, with several leaders scheduled to retire at the end of September. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra submitted the list for royal endorsement and would take effect on Oct 1 2024 if approved.

The reshuffle occurs as Thailand prepares for the upcoming Defense & Security 2025 exhibition, scheduled for November 10-13, 2025, an event that serves as a critical networking opportunity, bringing together global defence manufacturers, decision-makers, and the newly appointed senior officers. – adj/shp/mgm ( Pix:RTArF)

The Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence:

  • Gen Adinan Chaiyarerk, Deputy Permanent Secretary 
  • Gen Tharapong Malakam, Deputy Permanent Secretary
  • ACM Surarit Kitchathorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary

Royal Thai Armed Force Head Quarters:

  • Gen Thitichai Thienthong, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
  • Adm Suvin Jangyodsuk, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
  • Gen Ukrit Boontanon, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
  • ACM Nonsee Intarasalee, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
  • Gen Manas Jandee, Chief of Staff 

Royal Thai Army:

  • Gen Pana Claewplodtook, Chief of Army
  • Gen Nattawut Nakanakorn, Deputy Chief of Army
  • Gen Ekarat Changkaew, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Army
  • Gen Wasu Jiamsuk, Assistant Chief of Army
  • Lt Gen Chitsanupong Rodsiri, Assistant Chief of Army
  • Lt Gen Thongchai Rodyoi, Chief of Staff of the Army


    Royal Thai Navy:
  • Adm Jirapol Wongwit, Chief of Navy
  • Admiral Chonlathit Nawanukhro, Deputy Chief of Navy
  • Adm Worawut Pruksarungruang, President of Advisory Group of the Navy
  • VAdm Pairote Fuangchan, Chief of Staff of the Navy
  • VAdmPichit Srirungrueang, Assistant Chief of Navy
  • VAdm Nuttapol Diewvanich, Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Fleet


    Royal Thai Air Force:
  • ACM Chainat Phonkit, Deputy Chief of Air Force
  • ACM Manat Chavanaprayoon, Chairman of the RTAF Advisory Board
  • ACM Seksan Khantha, Assistant Chief of Air Force
  • Air Marshal Kidkuan Sadab, Assistant Chief of Air Force
  • Air Marshal Wachirapol Muangnoi, Chief of Air Staff