Thai finalises key military reshuffle

Thailand's government said yesterday it had forwarded a key military reshuffle list to the king for approval, but denied it was rewarding generals for their role in crushing opposition protests.
As expected, the army's number two, General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, is set to replace retiring Commander-in-Chief General Anupong Paojinda.
Prayut, 56, is seen as having played an active role in quelling two-month-long anti-government protests in Bangkok that ended in May this year.
Although he has long been seen as the top contender to replace Anupong, local media portrayed his promotion as a reward for his tough stance during the mass rally by the "Red Shirt" movement.
Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon, however, said Prayut's promotion was unrelated to the army's handling of the demonstrations.
"We have to consider what he has done in the past and not only what happened in April-May," Prawit told AFP.
"We have to choose a person who can oversee the army, sovereignty and security, and move Thailand forward," he said.