Thailand's civilian defense minister seeks 'gradual' military reform

Sutin stresses compromise as ruling Pheu Thai avoids clash with coalition partners

Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang is tasked with streamlining Thailand's armed forces, which reportedly have about 2,000 generals. (Photo by Hiroki Endo)

KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writer

March 18, 2024 10:08 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's government should "compromise" with the military amid its ongoing involvement in politics, Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang said, suggesting that avoiding conflict over its role will be a priority for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's administration.

Sutin -- the country's first defense minister to come from outside the military without concurrently serving as prime minister -- spoke with Nikkei on Thursday at a ministry facility outside Bangkok.