Phumtham” reveals that the NSC Secretary-General has been selected, but he is reluctant to answer whether “insiders or outsiders” will propose the Cabinet on Oct 8, saying that it depends on the appropriateness of the situation. He believes that everyone will perform their duties well.
Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, as Director of the National Security Council (NSC), chaired the first NSC meeting to acknowledge the report on the assessment of the overall security situation in the country and abroad, including the agenda to consider the appointment of the Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC).
With Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, Mr. Marist Sengiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Snitchanok San
gkhachan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, and relevant agencies participating, the meeting lasted more than 2 hours.
Then at 12:45 p.m., Mr. Phumtham gave an interview saying that today there was an agenda to consider the matter of the new NSC Secretary-General because a considerable amount of time had passed, so it had to be considered quickly so that various tasks could proceed.
The reporter asked whether the name of the new NSC Secretary-General had been decided yet. Mr. Phumtham said that there would be a proposal for the Prime Minister and consideration of what his opinion was because the process was not yet complete. There were still many matters to discuss, what his opinion was. The proposal would be submitted by Tuesday, October 8. As for consideration, the original qualifications framework would be used and suitability would be considered, to see what would be most beneficial to the NSC and the country.
Whe
n asked whether they will be soldiers, police or civilians, Mr. Phumtham said that today the names have been confirmed but he could not say yet. When asked again whether they are members of the NCPO or not because before, they were outsiders and seemed unwilling to come and do this, Mr. Phumtham said that we should not think that outsiders will be like that. It depends on the necessity of each situation. Everyone who comes will be responsible for their duties, but we have to look at the appropriateness of the situation. In the past, both outsiders and insiders have done well. It depends on how we assess the situation that has occurred and who is suitable to come and do this duty. It does not mean that anyone is the best. It does not mean that they are the most capable. It means that in that situation, who can do the best?
When asked again whether this means he is a member of the National Security Council but cannot be identified yet, Mr. Phumtham said that it cannot be identified until a decision is made.
T
he reporter asked about the news that the name of Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council, was gaining popularity. Mr. Phumtham said that it was news.
When asked whether the situation today was considered appropriate by the people inside, Mr. Phumtham said that today’s situation is about security both inside and outside, and everyone is able to do their duty.
When asked if it was necessary to get a new secretary before the statute of limitations for the Tak Bai case expired, Mr. Phumtham said that it was not related and not related to the consideration of the National Police Commission on October 7. Everyone has their own duties and must do so according to their duties. There is no obligation to each other because on that day, the Prime Minister will travel to chair the meeting himself because he is the chairman of the National Police Commission according to the law. He cannot assign anyone. Because if the Prime Minister does not attend, he will have to be the Vice
Chairman, which is the current acting National Police Commissioner.
When asked again whether the secretary must be someone who is willing and ready to work, Mr. Phumtham said that everyone who has been nominated or people in the news are all ready. He cannot say that they are not ready. If a civil servant is assigned, everyone must be ready to work according to their abilities.
At present, there is more than one name.
The reporter reported that the meeting was informed of the domestic and international security situation, especially the development of the situation in the Middle East and the southern border provinces, which the NSO analyzed and assessed, including providing policy proposals. In addition, the meeting was informed of the security operation guidelines that are in line with the government’s policy to serve as a framework for proactive operations in dealing with important security issues by assigning agencies to be responsible for the national policy framework and plan on national security and
driving operations in line with the government’s policy.
Source: Thai News Agency