Mobiles banned at ministry | Bangkok Post: news

Mobiles banned at ministry

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat has banned mobile phones from his office following the leak revealing details about the appointment of the ministry's new permanent secretary.

Security has been beefed up since the incident, which led to the transfer of three generals to inactive posts in August, said a ministry source.

The three were then-permanent secretary for defence Sathian Phoemthongin, his deputy Gen Chatree Thatti and the director-general of the Secretariat Department Pinpas Sariwat.

According to the source, someone used a mobile phone to record a discussion between ACM Sukumpol and his subordinates over the appointment of a new permanent secretary to succeed Gen Sathian.

The recording was used to back up allegations that ACM Sukumpol meddled with the appointment process.

At the moment, no one is allowed to bring a mobile phone into the minister's office.

Military officers, including generals, as well as visitors are required to leave their phones outside before entering ACM Sukumpol's office, the source said.