Bangkok Post : Ex-soldiers berate Prem

News » Politics

Ex-soldiers berate Prem

Published: 28/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Six retired senior military officers have joined the opposition Puea Thai Party in saying Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda is partly to blame for the deep-rooted division in Thai society.

Lt Gen Udom Ketprom, former chief of staff of the Lop Buri Special Warfare Command, said the group will expose the real cause of the political rift in Thailand.

"I hate Gen Prem," said Lt Gen Udom.

Many observers believe Gen Prem masterminded the Sept 19, 2006 coup which ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Lt Gen Udom added he would help Puea Thai campaign for votes in Lop Buri and Phitsanulok provinces where the army has a strong presence. Lt Gen Udon and the other five retired officers - all who previously served at the Special Warfare Command - spoke at a press conference where key party members were present, including Puea Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit and Gen Panlop Pinmanee, former deputy head of the Internal Security Operations Command.

Gen Panlop said the officers wanted to help find a resolution to "burning" social conflicts, and thought the Puea Thai could help. The officers are alumni of the Class 9 and Class 13 of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. About 50 of Thaksin's former classmates from Class 10 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School joined Puea Thai after retiring from service in September.

Give us your ideas!

What do you want to see at the website? We need your input! We appreciate your suggestions.

Take survey

About the author

: Writer: Aekarach Sattaburuth; Position: Reporter

Keep this article in your social bookmark:

Latest stories in this category:

Share your thoughts

For more candid, lengthy, conversational and open discussion between one another, use our Forum

Report objectionable comments click here. Include: discussion #, commenter name, comment date / time as it looks on the page. Example: discussion 15: 09/01/2009 at 10:00 AM.

Tip

Discussion 2 : 29/11/2009 at 06:36 AM2
Admired the Lt. Gen. Udom's courage to speak his mind. He should go one step further to qualify what's the reason behind his feeling. It may help to hear from others who may share same feeling but still do not want to open up. Thailand has lost 3 valuable years, opportunities, resources and the people are deeply divided up. We need to allow people to speak up, be totally transparent. It's the best way to keep all the democratic process in check including corruptions.
Somboon

Discussion 1 : 28/11/2009 at 05:22 AM1
Wow, "I hate Gen Prem," said Lt Gen Udom!

That is a very strong statement and I am kind of in shock here. It shows that the arm forces are really splitted in camps. Not just the arm forces know, but Thais who follow politics know who is behind the whole thing.

The Post would do a better job if it stated who the other 5 retired general are, I am just curious (Curious Geoge). Thanks.

Tip

Discussion 2 : 29/11/2009 at 06:36 AM2

Admired the Lt. Gen. Udom's courage to speak his mind. He should go one step further to qualify what's the reason behind his feeling. It may help to hear from others who may share same feeling but still do not want to open up. Thailand has lost 3 valuable years, opportunities, resources and the people are deeply divided up. We need to allow people to speak up, be totally transparent. It's the best way to keep all the democratic process in check including corruptions.

Somboon

Discussion 1 : 28/11/2009 at 05:22 AM1

Wow, "I hate Gen Prem," said Lt Gen Udom!

That is a very strong statement and I am kind of in shock here. It shows that the arm forces are really splitted in camps. Not just the arm forces know, but Thais who follow politics know who is behind the whole thing.

The Post would do a better job if it stated who the other 5 retired general are, I am just curious (Curious Geoge). Thanks.