Chalerm defends reinstatement of son in the Armed Forces

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung says no rules were side-stepped in the reinstatement of his son Duang into the military.

He told reporters at his ministry he wants to end the controversy once and for all.

"I want to comment on the issue for the last time, so listen carefully," he says.

Chalerm presided at the restoration of his son's rank of sub-lieutenant at their home.

He refuses to comment on questions about the ceremony being a privilege accorded to the son of a Cabinet member.

He claims his son's reinstatement was done under prescribed procedures and no rules were side stepped.

There was a 100-table banquet to celebrate the reinstatement.

The family even gave it a name - This is the day we've been waiting seven years for.

Defence minister's office

The Secretariat of the Defence Minister directly handled the reinstatement.

Duang was stripped of his rank seven years ago by a ministerial order issued in connection with his alleged involvement in a murder in 2001, Chalerm says.

Samak's directive

Prime Minister Samak Sun-daravej issued a direct order for Duang to resume military service, hence bypassing the Armed Forces Security Centre, where Duang was commissioned, and the Supreme Command, Chalerm says. He said his son was stripped of his rank within five days after the alleged murder.

"My son did not desert duty, and he is entitled to reinstatement because he was acquitted - he's innocent," he says.