Former army chief Udomdej Sitabutr has signed his last transfer order to appoint his close aide as deputy commander of the 11th Circle Army, a military source says.
Gen Udomdej, who keeps his post as deputy defence minister, appointed Col Kachachart Boondee, who previously served as 1st Artillery Battery, Queen's Guard chief, as deputy commander of the 11th Circle Army, the source said.
The transfer order was signed by Gen Udomdej on Tuesday, the day before his retirement. The order took effect yesterday, the source added.
The source said Gen Udomdej thought his successor, Gen Theerachai Nakvanich, might not promote Col Kachachart, who is Gen Udomdej's right-hand man, to the post.
Gen Udomdej also felt Col Kachachart might be put in a position he is not keen on, the source said.
Col Kachachart's work in the 1st Artillery Battalion is considered crucial for security as it covers locations of strategic importance such as Government House.
Col Kachachart also studied in Class 27 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, the same class as Col Suchart Prommai, who was promoted to command the 11st Infantry Regiment in the recent annual military reshuffle, the source said.
Col Suchart is also known as a close aide of Gen Udomdej.
Gen Udomdej and Gen Theerachai do not have a close relationship, the source said.
The two generals have had their differences although they belong to the same class of alumni at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, the source added.
The annual reshuffle and high-ranking transfer orders must be approved by the army commander.
The source said the transfer of Col Kachachart was to make room for Col Nimit Suwannarat, deputy chief of the 1st Artillery Battery, to be promoted to its chief.