New Army chief’s pro-coup stance ahead of polls angers many

[webfact]

New Army chief’s pro-coup stance ahead of polls angers many

By KAS CHANWANPEN 
THE NATION

 

Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong

 

THE NEW Army chief will find it difficult to justify any more coups after scholars, politicians and activists loudly rejected his statement that the military might take control again if political upheavals re-emerge.

 

Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong’s reluctance to safeguard democracy prompted anti-junta sentiment among political activists who were united in insisting that coups were unjustifiable.

 

Political scientist Piyaphob Mahamad yesterday pointed out that the use of military force is never a sustainable solution in politics. 

 

“Political turmoil is a classic reason the military uses to back its intervention,” he said. “But there’s no way of justifying it. A coup will only destroy democracy in the long run. The best way to deal with political conflict is to simply respect the rules and laws as well as election results.”

 

Piyaphob said the military should learn from past experiences, such as the popular uprising that erupted in May 1992 as the result of a coup. 

 

Many other politicians and political activists voiced similar opinions, and questioned whether the street rallies and clashes that led to the last coup had been spontaneous or engineered specifically to pave the way for a military takeover. 

 

Pheu Thai politician Watana Muangsook said the military had tried to legitimise its unlawful action, but in reality it only staged a coup to protect its own interests. 

 

“The Army chief’s statement only undermines the atmosphere for trade and investment. This makes it worse for the economy that is already in recession, which actually also resulted from the [2014] coup,” he said.

 

Red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua said political unrest should never be used to justify a coup, adding that he also believed street rallies had been designed especially to prompt military intervention. 

 

But when it came to the red-shirt protest, what followed was a massacre not a coup, Nattawut said sarcastically.

 

Other politicians, including Pheu Thai’s Chaturon Chaisaeng and Democrat Nipit Intrasombat, said the new Army chief’s statement may have stemmed from his lack of knowledge about politics. 

 

Chaturon, however, said Apirat’s statement may have damaged Thailand’s credibility and affected its reputation internationally. It may have also adversely affected trade and investment, he added. 

 

Meanwhile, Nipit said Apirat should take lessons from his predecessor when it comes to holding this powerful position and understand that political disagreement can never be a reason to stage a coup. He added that everybody, including the Army, should do their duty. 

 

Thailand is one of the few countries being ruled by a military-led government. Since the Siamese Revolution brought democracy to the country some 86 years ago, the military has staged 18 successful coups. 

 

Despite strong opposition to the frequent disruption of democracy, the new Army chief insisted on taking a pro-coup stance in his first press conference on Wednesday. He did so with elections set to take place in a few months – four years after a coup-installed government prepares to step down.

 

However, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, a member of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order, defended Apirat yesterday, saying he was only stating a common truth. 

 

Later he admitted that a coup should not take place in future and that Apirat’s statement should not affect the upcoming election.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30356744

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-10-19

 

[Samui Bodoh]

"...Many other politicians and political activists voiced similar opinions, and questioned whether the street rallies and clashes that led to the last coup had been spontaneous or engineered specifically to pave the way for a military takeover..." 

 

'Engineered specifically to pave the way for a military takeover'.

 

Suthep said as much in a political gaffe; a political gaffe being the rare occasion when a politician inadvertently tells the truth...

 

End of.

 

 

Edited October 18, 2018 by Samui Bodoh

[zzaa09]

Should be expecting a coup or counter coup regardless of the election outcome.

 

The traditional circles are looking to change players, but not the theatre.

 

Same as it ever was.

[YetAnother]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite strong opposition to the frequent disruption of democracy, the new Army chief insisted on taking a pro-coup stance in his first press conference on Wednesday.

his stance is disturbing, his seeming lack of intelligence and tact even more so

[zzaa09]

3 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

his stance is disturbing, his seeming lack of intelligence and tact even more so

Actually, all quite normal for these circles.

[Oziex1]

First you have to wait for P and his cronies to move on, then it's your turn. If your lucky there maybe a few crumbs left. 

[a977]

Bet Pinocchio is drafting the army chiefs resignation as we write, another little fatty P who doesn't know how to engage brain before opening mouth.  Maybe if the army did what the army is supposed to do  ie: protect the country instead of playing politics we'd be a lot better off!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[colinneil]

Apirat is just letting people know his intentions, after this lot have gone, it will be my turn at the trough

[Esso49]

49 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

his stance is disturbing, his seeming lack of intelligence and tact even more so

Since when has intelligence been a prime requisite to achieve any top position in Thailand ?

[Dexlowe]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

However, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, a member of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order, defended Apirat yesterday, saying he was only stating a common truth. 

Meaning what? That the Thai people (and others with an interest in this country) should just accept it? Apirak is clearly as dumb as his father who rose to supreme commander without a shred of intellect and was completely subordinate to Hia Su. 

[JAG]

1 hour ago, zzaa09 said:

Should be expecting a coup or counter coup regardless of the election outcome.

 

The traditional circles are looking to change players, but not the theatre.

 

Same as it ever was.

One day the audience will simply get up and walk out of the theatre.

[RichardColeman]

Will there be anothe coup if the Junta do not get the government they want ? 100%

[jerojero]

Future PM it seems, and not via elections.

[jayboy]

1 hour ago, zzaa09 said:

Actually, all quite normal for these circles.

And just a reminder, as if one was needed, that such a comment from a general in a decently ordered country would result in instant dismissal and disgrace.

[Lupatria]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The best way to deal with political conflict is to simply respect the rules and laws

That's what they did. Wasn't there a judge ruling the coup was legal?

[Sonhia]

After reading the first few lines of the report, I decided to stop because I feel the report is the same predictable old hat dribble with unsurprising content.

 

Thai fickle nature will always prevail and so will the obsession for power plus high so greed, whilst suppressing the masses.

 

I believe Thailand has had more forced military rule coups compared to other countries in recent decades and look at the impact it has created.

 

That's something to be proud of.

 

Not!

 

 

 

[Esso49]

27 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Will there be anothe coup if the Junta do not get the government they want ? 100%

What makes you think they will wait that long to get to the trough ?

[lanista]

Best thing that could happen is Thailand disbands its entire military. Sell the aircraft carrier ,useless Chinese tanks,cancel the order for subs that will likely never be manned with professional crews and strip all the thousands of useless fake generals and wing commanders of their assets.

Use the huge pile of money to train teachers and educate the children of Isaan and increase the hospital budget.

Only problem of course is that it will have a huge negative effect on the sex tourism and marriage industry.

Never mind......just dreaming.

[anon537687643]

Just remember the RTA in Thailand is actually in existence for Military coups! What else does it do ?


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[jayboy]

Just remember the RTA in Thailand is actually in existence for Military coups! What else does it do ?


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

You confuse the means with the ends.

Coups are usually the last resort after orchestrated street mobs, politicised courts, Sino Thai tycoons and gobbledygook about Thainess and knowing one’s place have not fully achieved the desired outcome - namely the consolidation of wealth and power in a tiny section of the population.

There are plenty in the Thai power structure though corrupt and greedy will happily resort to treason if the desired outcome is at risk.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Eric Loh]

3 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

Should be expecting a coup or counter coup regardless of the election outcome.

 

The traditional circles are looking to change players, but not the theatre.

 

Same as it ever was.

The next coup will be quite different in manner and substance with the new sheriff in town and allegiance switched. The regular coup regiment may be stopped before they enter the city. They will not be welcome by those 'educated' Bangkokians with flowers. 

[Khun Paul]

What is scary is that he is now HEAD of the ARMY , who we all know will do anything if they are upset. 

[gunderhill]

"Total shock surprise"

[gunderhill]

1 hour ago, markaoffy said:

Just remember the RTA in Thailand is actually in existence for Military coups! What else does it do ?


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

What about all the job losses at the "Thai Shiny Medal Factory" if they disband them????

[Chelseafan]

3 hours ago, Esso49 said:

Since when has intelligence been a prime requisite to achieve any top position in Thailand ?

Or the USA...

[Srikcir]

3 hours ago, Lupatria said:

That's what they did. Wasn't there a judge ruling the coup was legal?

All twelve of Thailand's military coups have been deemed legitimate and that should say something about a fundamental flaw in the real power behind the governance of Thailand.

Prayut's coup did violate the 2006 Constitution and organic laws. It is for that fact that the NCPO granted itself unilateral amnesty past, present and future. So how then could the court rule Prayut's coup was still legal?

“It is pertinent that the power of the judiciary works in tandem with military power in order to legitimize and support the power of the coup-makers and the legal system of the coup-making order,”

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/05/30/judiciary-legitimized-coup-supported-junta-thai-lawyers-allege/

Thailand's judiciary must reach beyond the rule of law established by the constitution and penal code to legitimize military coups. This reach must go beyond the sovereignty of the nation by the Thai people. From the same article:

"The rights group said the courts were quick to rule that the coup-makers held sovereignty and were thus legitimate." (my underline emphasis)

Edited October 19, 2018 by Srikcir
missing word

[Artisi]

5 hours ago, YetAnother said:

his stance is disturbing, his seeming lack of intelligence and tact even more so

Tact in the military is the same as using  "military intelligence" - an absolute conflict in language use. 

[heybruce]

7 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

All twelve of Thailand's military coups have been deemed legitimate and that should say something about a fundamental flaw in the real power behind the governance of Thailand.

Prayut's coup did violate the 2006 Constitution and organic laws. It is for that fact that the NCPO granted itself unilateral amnesty past, present and future. So how then could the court rule Prayut's coup was still legal?

“It is pertinent that the power of the judiciary works in tandem with military power in order to legitimize and support the power of the coup-makers and the legal system of the coup-making order,”

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/05/30/judiciary-legitimized-coup-supported-junta-thai-lawyers-allege/

Thailand's judiciary must reach beyond the rule of law established by the constitution and penal code to legitimize military coups. This reach must go beyond the sovereignty of the nation by the Thai people. From the same article:

"The rights group said the courts were quick to rule that the coup-makers held sovereignty and were thus legitimate." (my underline emphasis)

"All twelve of Thailand's military coups have been deemed legitimate.."

 

Deemed legitimate by whom?  How can something that violates the constitution be legal?  How can any legitimate judicial system not deem a violation of the constitution as illegal?

[worgeordie]

Badges,Badges, who needs stinking Badges.

regards worgeordie

[Mainhattencitizen]

5 hours ago, YetAnother said:

his stance is disturbing, his seeming lack of intelligence and tact even more so

People in these positions do not need intelligence. All they need is enough money to buy the position.