Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has found nothing wrong about his nephew being given a post with the Third Army without having to undergo a recruitment exam.
“Every year, when posts become vacant, there are two systems for recruitment. One is about competitions open to various applicants. The other is selection by high-level committees,” he said. “It’s normal.”
Former Army chief Prayut said sarcastically that if his nephew had been singled out simply because of his surname, he would agree to change it.
According to the prime minister, children and relatives of current or retired military officers are recruited partly because of trust in their family background and their familiarity with military discipline.
Earlier this month, an internal document from the Defence Ministry was leaked to the public. It showed Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan had authorised General Preecha Chan-o-cha, a younger brother of Prayut, to approve the recruitment of his son Patipat Chan-o-cha as a sub lieutenant to work in the Third Army Area.
Preecha, now permanent secretary for Defence, used to head the Third Army Area.
Third Army Area chief Lt-General Somsak Nilbanjerdkul said he was waiting for the Defence Ministry to send a letter regarding the recruitment to his agency.
“When it arrives, Patipat can report himself for duty,” Somsak said.
Patipat graduated from Naresuan University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.
“He’s qualified,” Somsak said, downplaying criticism about alleged nepotism.
Like Prayut, Somsak insisted that Patipat’s recruitment was in line with proper procedures.
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