Soldiers warned not to join rallies

News > Local News

Soldiers warned not to join rallies

Published: 31 Oct 2012 at 11.29
Online news: Local News

Soldiers taking part in political rallies could face disciplinary action even though they may have the right to do so, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday.

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

"There are disciplinary regulations and soldiers must follow their commanders' instructions. If they commit a disciplinary offence they could be demoted or even discharged," Gen Prayuth said.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

mrsdonesh
Post : 135
Send message

Discussion 8 : 31 Oct 2012 at 21.208
Post this to my Facebook
Dis#4 Good comment except here the Police just stood back and let it all happen. Correct an army is to protect a countries borders, but when the Police don't enforce the law and the city is under siege what else can you do? A soldier as a citizen is entitled to hold his own views. If not on duty he should be able to express this view.
Like dislike 11 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bangmodken
Post : 1,305
Send message

Discussion 7 : 31 Oct 2012 at 15.427
Post this to my Facebook
D1,Eric : Yes! I agree! Great point you make! In the name of democracy and investor confidence,let's curb people's democratic rights!
We could approach DPRK and get some ideas to improve our developing democracy here in Thailand? How about outlawing political parties who don't share our views? Or build some re-educationary work camps? Oh never mind,we have the red villages already. I forgot.
Like dislike 14 people liked / 5 people disliked this comment
bern1005
Post : 686
Send message

Discussion 6 : 31 Oct 2012 at 14.286
Post this to my Facebook
As long as the they do not wear uniform or do this when they should be on duty, soldiers have the right to join protests just as they are allowed to vote in elections. Gen Prayuth should be careful to not interfere with legitimate political rights.
Like dislike 18 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
spiceman
Post : 3,477
Send message

Discussion 5 : 31 Oct 2012 at 13.195
Post this to my Facebook
Off-duty soldiers who are unarmed and not wearing uniforms should be able to participate in any demonstration they desire.
Like dislike 24 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
frenchy
Post : 11
Send message

Discussion 4 : 31 Oct 2012 at 12.504
Post this to my Facebook
If a majority of people march through the streets of their city/country, it's because they are
desatisfied with the Leaders poor records in term of democratic reforms.
Killing these protesters(in this case Thai people, native of that country)is definitly
not the anwser, (see Lybia and Egypt).
The role of the army is to protect its citizen by controlling borders.
Everything else is controlled by the police, like it is done in every
developped counties.
The Army is a professionel institution and as for civilians is intitled to march
when they are desitisfied with the Leaders. The Civilians are not allowed to
kill them neither...!
Like dislike 7 people liked / 5 people disliked this comment
joninnak
Post : 355
Send message

Discussion 3 : 31 Oct 2012 at 12.343
Post this to my Facebook
Does this only apply only to the foot soldiers or does it include generals as well? This sounds like interfering in peoples rights "even though they may have the right to do so", and he should be taken to task with this statement.
Like dislike 23 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
supermax
Post : 321
Send message

Discussion 2 : 31 Oct 2012 at 12.112
Post this to my Facebook
I never heard Priewpan (former boss of Police) to say the same to the policemen whose majority support Red/UDD...
Like dislike 19 people liked / 4 people disliked this comment
Eric
Post : 1,156
Send message

Discussion 1 : 31 Oct 2012 at 12.041
Post this to my Facebook
I applaud the Gen Prayuth for making such clear and direct statement or rather an order to all ranks and files. This is good for democracy, the country and investor confidence. Well done Sir.
Like dislike 6 people liked / 29 people disliked this comment

Soldiers warned not to join rallies | Bangkok Post: news