BANGKOK, 1 October 2013 – General Niphat Thonglek, the new Permanent Secretary of the Defense Ministry, has been handed over the task from his predecessor General Thanongsak Apirakyothin.
Gen. Thanongsak gave a speech on his 45 years of service in the army, saying he was proud to have been in the army and that his appointment as the permanent secretary for Defense was the best moment of his career. He said he admired his colleagues who had worked with him with great efforts through all hardship. Gen Thanongsak asked all the officials to give their full support to General Niphat Thonglek as the new permanent secretary.
Gen. Thanongsak went on to say that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had a great vision in putting the right man in the right job as she entrusted Gen Niphat for the position, adding that PM Yingluck appreciated the great efforts and performances contributed by all officers.
Gen. Thanongsak also said even after he has left the military service, he would always be willing to assist all the government work and provide consultations without a need for official appointments.