BANGKOK — Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday became the first woman to head the kingdom’s defense ministry in a cabinet reshuffle that gives her more influence over the powerful army that ousted her brother.
As defense minister, Yingluck claims a seat on Thailand’s defense council which appoints army top brass in a nation where the military has carried out numerous coups, the most recent toppling her brother Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006.
The leadership of the army is due to undergo an annual reshuffle in October, although it is unclear whether its current chief will retain his position despite approaching the end of the customary three-year term.
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