Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the country needed someone who specialised in security and defence issues to take care of its business at this time.

He will succeed outgoing NSC chief Thawip Netniyom.

Thawip said there should not be any internal opposition to this appointment despite the fact that General Wanlop would be transferred from the Defence Ministry to take up the post at the NSC.

Somkiat Sriprasert, the NSC’s deputy secretary-general who was previously tipped to be the candidate for the top job, would be appointed to a position befitting his capabilities, Thawip added.