Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) today approved the proposed appointment of General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat, the army chief of staff, as the new NSC secretary-general, succeeding Chatchai Bangchuad.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the transfer of Chatchai to become secretary-general of the Prime Minister’s Office, effective October 1.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who chaired the NSC meeting this morning, told the media that the council had approved Gen Chaiyapruek’s appointment as the new NSC secretary-general.
The appointment is subject to Cabinet approval.
Regarded as a hardliner for his tough stance on the southern insurgency following the killing of five paramilitary rangers in Rangae district of Narathiwat in July, Gen Chaiyapruek was quoted as saying: “It is about time for us to change our tactics. We have to start hunting the perpetrators and their supporters, no matter who they are or which countries they are in. It is about time for us to become the hunters.”
In his capacity as secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Gen Chaiyapruek has been close to the prime minister, and the two have often been seen together during security-related inspection trips.
