An informed source disclosed that Royal Thai Army chief General Thirachai Nakwanich had already approved the resignation of a major-general allegedly implicated in the lese majeste allegation. When asked about the issue, Defence Ministry permanent secretary-general Preecha Chan-o-cha simply said, "I have not yet seen the resignation."
The same source said that another allegedly implicated military officer, a colonel from the Third Army Area, had crossed the border into Myanmar on October 31 and he had not reported to work this week.
"A search of his home in Phitsanulok province yielded his resignation letter. But as his resignation has not been submitted through proper channels, it will not be officially recognised," the source said.
Meanwhile, the Royal Gazette yesterday announced the resignation of Pol General Prawut Thavornsiri. His resignation took effect from October 29, just days after a lese majeste gang was exposed. Prime suspects are famous fortune teller Suriyan Sujaritpolwong, 53, better known as "Mor Yong", his aide Jirawong Wattanathewasilp, 39, and late Pol Major Prakrom Warunprapa, 44, an inspector from the Technology Crime Suppression Division. Unconfirmed reports suggested that Prakorm, who committed suicide during his detention last month, was close to Prawut.
Prawut held the post of adviser Level 10 at the National Police Office, when he tendered his resignation. He ended his police career abruptly a year ahead of his mandatory retirement age.