Thailand’s Defense Minister Sutin Klangsang arrives at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 5. Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday led his cabinet members to take oath in front of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The newly appointed Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, is in the spotlight as he is expected to navigate through various challenges within the military while maintaining stability within the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. As the first civilian to take the defence minister position without also holding the role of the prime minister, Sutin is expected to manage military reform, the southern unrest and the military’s relations with other regional countries.
The appointment of a civilian to oversee military affairs has been evaluated as an attempt by the Pheu Thai-led government’s de facto leader,…
