Army restructuring underway

BANGKOK, Sept 8 (TNA) -- The Royal Thai Army has set up three sets of working committee to be responsible for restructuring the army while some of the unit are expected to be relocated from Bangkok to upcountry to ease traffic congestion in the capital, said Army commander-in-chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart. Gen Chalermchai, who will retire from his post at the end of this month due to compulsory retirement age of 60, said Friday that Army Chief-of-staff Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich would chair the working committee members. Army restructuring is essential to cope with future situations and some of the army units will be dissolved while more modern weapons will be acquired, he said. Stressing that the army restructuring is meant for a long-term basis, Gen Chalermchai said expenses for army personnel now take almost half of the total budget, therefore, a study has to be conducted whether it is possible to reduce the number. Some of the army units such as armored personnel carrier are expected to be relocated in upcountry to facilitate their routine drills, said Gen Chalermchai. The compound of army units may be used as park for Bangkokians after army personnel have moved to upcountry, he added. (TNA)