The proper role of the armed forces in Thai democracy

LET IT BE

The proper role of the armed forces in Thai democracy

Published: 10/06/2011 at 02:35 AM
Newspaper section: News

The recent exchange of words between Yingluck Shinawatra, de facto leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party and sister of ousted prime minister Thaksin, and army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha, reflects a reality in Thai democracy.

Hats off to democracy: Army C-in-C Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Political power does grow out of the barrel of a gun, as Mao Zedong once said, but it is used to protect the power of the few over the will of the people.

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About the author

: Writer: Suranand Vejjajiva; Position: Contributor

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howell
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Discussion 8 : 11/06/2011 at 09:19 AM8
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@rpt777 '...many of the charges of corruption were true, many of them were exaggerated...'

The full extent of Thaksin's corruption is truly shocking !
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domdunnn
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Discussion 7 : 10/06/2011 at 03:16 PM7
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In most democracies the armed forces have regular contacts with opposition leaders, both formal and informal.
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browser
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Discussion 6 : 10/06/2011 at 12:21 PM6
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D 5 - I'm surprised too. I've never made such statements. Regarding the quote, it is the first time I've seen it in print, and as it is quoted by a former Thaksin cabinet minister, I am waiting until I see it again to comment any further. In the meantime, Prayuth has repeatedly denied the possibility of a coupe. But I suspect those are not the quotes you are interested in.
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rpt777
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Discussion 5 : 10/06/2011 at 09:33 AM5
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Browser: I am surprised to see you constantly voice support for a military run government, and military interference in the political process.
What do you make of this statement:
"with Gen Prayuth quoted as saying if Pheu Thai wins the election and there is opposition, power could be taken back."
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wyattearp
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Discussion 4 : 10/06/2011 at 08:42 AM4
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Nicely put browser. Today's front page story completely pulls the rug out from under Suranand's opinion piece. Surely he cannot condone the behaviour of the Pheu Thai candidate and his thugs.
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browser
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Discussion 3 : 10/06/2011 at 08:12 AM3
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It is ironic that Pheu Thai - that regularly insists that the army has no place in politics - is outraged that Prayuth won't meet Yingluck during an election campaign. If Yingluck becomes PM, then I am sure she can wait four weeks, when it would be appropriate. When the author of this article quotes what he himself describes as " rumours " - the still completely unproven ones stemming from the army's involvement in discouraging the drug trade, under the assumption that that intimidates specifically PT voters ( ! ) is odd for a party that claims a strong anti-drug stance. But Mr. Suranand need not be too worried. Yesterday's confrontation between a Pheu Thai MP, his " supporters " and a few officers in Bangkok suggests that PT has apparently taken the matter " well in hand ".
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rpt777
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Discussion 2 : 10/06/2011 at 06:33 AM2
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I think most people did like the coup of 2006, but were willing to tolerate it to be rid of Thaksin.
Since then it has become apparent that while many of the charges of corruption were true, many of them were exaggerated by the elite for the sole purpose of having a reason or removing him from power. The elite have used the military since to manipulate and intimidate those that stood in the way hanging on to power in an undemocratic way. The military has no place in politics.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 1 : 10/06/2011 at 05:07 AM1
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In a real democracy the military are there to protect the whole nation. Yet in Thailand history shows the military protecting the elite before everyone else because it is this wealthy class that allows all the top brass to live extravagant lives. Where in progressive democracies do generals live like millionaires , there would be outrage. Yet in Thailand they are seen as popular 'patrons' who protect the nation. They are hypocrites and traitors as they rort the nation.
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The proper role of the armed forces in Thai democracy | Bangkok Post: opinion