In an update to my previous post on who might be Defence Minister, The Bangkok Post reports:

Meanwhile, army specialist Gen Trairong Intaratat and other leading pre-cadet school Class 10 figures are trying to mend the rift between ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, to pave the way for Mr Thaksin's return, a Class 10 source said.

Gen Trairong, who was in Class 10 with Mr Thaksin and Gen Anupong, reportedly flew to Hong Kong after the Dec 23 election to meet Mr Thaksin.

Before his wife Khunying Potjaman's recent return to Thailand, Mr Thaksin had tried to contact Gen Anupong through some of his former classmates.

Gen Anupong did not directly contact Mr Thaksin, preferring to speak through his close aides, the source said.

Although Gen Trairong was made an army specialist after the Sept 19, 2006 coup, he retained strong ties with Gen Anupong. There were reports Gen Trairong recently arranged a meeting between Gen Anupong and former justice permanent secretary Somchai Wongsawat, Mr Thaksin's brother-in-law.

It was also rumoured Gen Anupong had proposed that former army chief Pravit Wongsuwan, who is close to him, be made the defence minister in the next coalition government to be formed by the PPP. Gen Pravit was at the pre-cadet school with Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the coup leader.

The source said Gen Sonthi was not happy with Gen Anupong. He thought Gen Anupong, whom he promoted to succeed him as army chief, was adopting a reconciliatory stance in favour of Mr Thaksin.

COMMENT: Gen. Anupong has his classmates to think about it. He needs those are who close to him to be in key positions, but he also needs persons who are acceptable to the new government. Now, there are serious rifts in Class 10. If these rifts were mended, he could put all his classmates in key positions and this could be to both his and Thaksin's satisfaction as they were Thaksin's classmates too. He could also ensure he remains Army C-in-C until his retirement.

The Class 10 guys who are trying to mend the rift are not just doing so because they love Thaksin or love Anupong, but it is in their interests for Class 10 to remain strong so they can snap up all their positions.

Another Bangkok Post article also hints that Gen. Prawit might get the job:

The Council of National Security (CNS) will not be allowed to interfere in the selection of the new defence minister, but can put forward a candidate, People Power Party deputy leader Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranont said yesterday. The former supreme commander was responding to a report the CNS prefers former army chief Gen Pravit Wongsuwan for the defence portfolio.

Gen Ruengroj is widely believed to be his party's favourite for the job.

Gen Pravit is reportedly close to the key figures in the junta that toppled the Thaksin Shinawatra government on Sept 19, 2006; Gen Ruengroj is known to stand with Mr Thaksin.

Gen Ruengroj said he did not expect the CNS to try to interfere with the selection. However, if any key CNS figures felt the need to discuss the defence post, he would have no problems because they were also military academy alumni.

Sompong Amornwiwat, another PPP deputy leader, conceded the nomination of Gen Pravit could mend the rift between the CNS and the PPP, but he denied the two sides had discussed the issue.

COMMENT: And does anyone believe that denial that they haven't discussed the issue? Gen. Ruengroj is pissed as he might miss out, but I am sure even if he does that he will get his chance in a year's time when there is a cabinet reshuffle.

NOTE: If you are not a frequent follower of the Thai military and are wondering, fellow classmates at the military academy (more relevant to the pre-1995 period) or the pre-cadet class determine your real allies. Even though it is some 30+ years since these guys studied together, they are still close.

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