Deputy PM Yuthasak vows to revamp security policy

“I was surprised to hear that the NSC has not convened a meeting for almost five months,” he said. Yesterday was the deputy premier’s first day at work.
Yuthasak said he would need time to familiarise himself with his new responsibilities, which involves overseeing seven ministries and five agencies with a focus on security affairs.
He said he had already had dealings with NSC secretary-general Wichean Potephosree in his previous job as defence minister, though he would not say if Wichean would be replaced.
As for intelligence affairs, he said he was keen to review progress made in coordinating with foreign intelligence agencies. He said he wanted to keep his finger on the pulse so the premier can be given up-to-date information every week.
Yuthasak added that he was also planning to boost the role of Army intelligence, adding that he would name the military officers he wanted to help draw up a new security blueprint.
In regard to insurgency in the South, he said he would ask the Army to update the prime minister on the region in its capacity as a contributing agency in the Internal Security Operations Command.
He said he expected the authorities to work in an integrated manner to quell violence.