"Big Dul" paid farewell respects to "Big Lek," saying Thailand still has many issues to resolve. He urged continuation of the Ministry of Defense's work and care for junior personnel.
At 10:00 a.m. on 3 Apr 2026 GMT+7 at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, General Tharapong Malakam, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, led officials from the Office of the Permanent Secretary in bidding farewell and paying tribute to General Natthapon Nakpanich, former Minister of Defense, who had left his position.
Reporters noted that before the ceremony began, General Natthapon spoke briefly with them. During that time, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, the new Minister of Defense, came from his office to personally bid farewell to General Natthapon. General Natthapon told Lieutenant General Adul to take good care of the junior personnel, noting that although it might seem commanders have neglected them, he had always cared throughout his tenure—from when he served as secretary to the minister (Mr. Sutin Klangsang). Now he was no longer overseeing achievements but asked to continue the work.
After speaking, General Natthapon embraced Lieutenant General Adul before concluding with the statement: "Lieutenant General Adul, now that you are at the executive level, you will realize that Thailand has many problems that need to be solved."
Thereafter, General Natthapon paid respects at seven sacred sites within the Ministry of Defense and participated in the farewell ceremony. General Tharapong led the Deputy Permanent Secretary and senior officials in attendance. General Natthapon said, "I have received strong support from everyone throughout."
General Natthapon spoke during the farewell ceremony: "Throughout my service, I have received strong support from everyone—from working in the private sector, civilian roles, and then returning to leadership. I consider myself to have the spirit of five regions, which shaped my thinking differently from previous ministers. I endured and understood what I wanted to develop in the armed forces. I avoided using the word 'order' because I want everyone to work with understanding. If I leave this position, things may change, but if the juniors understand, everything will be sustainable. Although some initiatives may not come to fruition in this era, I believe they will be lasting footprints. When new commanders arrive, they will understand and implement them."