Latest Thai Military Leadership Announced
THAILAND has unveiled its latest leadership following royal endorsement and confirmation of parliamentary support. Anutin Charnvirakul, a seasoned politician and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was appointed as Thailand’s new Prime Minister on September 7.
In addition to the new prime minister, a reshuffle of the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence , Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), and all three branches of the military was made. The change in leadership reflects the nation’s strategic priority of modernising its defence capabilities in challenging times in light of its recent border conflicts. Key promotions of the kingdom’s senior officers begin on October 1.
General Tharapong Malakham was announced as Permanent Secretary for Defence while Gen Saran Phetcharanon will serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence. General Ukris Boontanondha will serve as Chief of Defence Forces with General Noppadol Pinthong as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. For the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Admiral Pairoj Fuangchan is now the Commander-in-Chief while Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha is the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
As Thailand continues to modernise its armed forces, international defence giants and decision-makers will gather at the 12th Defense & Security 2025 with the full backing of the kingdom’s Armed Forces. Defense & Security 2025 is one of the longest running defence exhibitions since its inception two decades ago, gathering regional leaders and global industry powerhouses, set to be bigger, faster, and more impactful than ever.-ds/adj/dl (Pix:D&S)
The Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence
- General Tharapong Malakham as Permanent Secretary for Defence
- General Saran Phetcharanon as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence
- General Wasu Jiemsuk as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence
- Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence
- Air Chief Marshal Suchart Thepparak as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence
- Lieutenant General Sura Saiubon as Director-General of Office of Policy and Planning
- Lieutenant General Siphan Bhanavavatana as Director-General of Defence Industry and Energy Centre
Royal Thai Armed Forces
- General Ukris Boontanondha as Chief of Defence Forces
- General Noppadol Pinthong as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- General Paiboon Worawanpreecha as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- Admiral Pichit Srirungruang as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Chaimart as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- General Chidchanok Nuchaya as Chief of Joint Staff
- Air Marshal Pitoon Jaroenying as Deputy Chief of Joint Staff
- Lieutenant General Nuttapong Praokaew as Deputy Chief of Joint Staff
- Lieutenant General Kittipong Chuenjaichon as Deputy Chief of Joint Staff
- Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul as Deputy Chief of Joint Staff
Royal Thai Army
- General Chitsanupong Rodsiri as Deputy Chief of Army
- General Sarnti Sakuntanark as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Army
- Lieutenant General Amarit Boonsuya as Assistant Chief of Army
- Lieutenant General Narongrit Kumpeera as Assistant Chief of Army
- Lieutenant General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat as Chief of Staff of the Army
Royal Thai Navy
- Admiral Pairoj Fuangchan as Chief of Navy
- Admiral Suchart Thampitakvech as Deputy Chief of Navy
- Admiral Sanoe Ngernsalung as President of Advisory Group of the Navy
- Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakul as Assistant Chief of Navy
- Vice Admiral Thadawut Tadpitakkul as Chief of Staff of the Navy
- Vice Admiral Korawit Chayarathi as Chief of Royal Thai Fleet
Royal Thai Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha as Chief of Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal Waipoj Kerngfarg as Deputy Chief of Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal Sanphachai Silanil as Chairman of the RTAF Advisory Board
- Air Chief Marshal Wachirapon Muangnoi as Assistant Chief of Air Force
- Air Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee as Assistant Chief of Air Force
- Air Marshal Anurak Romnarak as Chief of Air Staff