Rattled military resorts to ‘hate’ strategy

[webfact]

Rattled military resorts to ‘hate’ strategy 

By The Nation

 

 

Army chief draws on ultra-nationalist rhetoric of modern Thailand’s darkest era

 

Army chief Apirat Kongsompong has faced calls for a cut in defence spending before, but never has he responded with such fury. The anger is easily explained by the fact that Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan’s proposal also represented a serious threat to the military’s role in politics.

 

Other parties, most notably Future Forward, also have policies targeting military spending, but Suradat’s words are more powerful since her Pheu Thai Party has the potential to win the coming election and has a record of delivering on its policy pledges.

 

The Army chief’s reaction was both swift and ominous. 

 

Backed by his boss Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan, he ordered Suradarat and other politicians to listen to the ultra-rightist song “Nak Phaendin”, which was played to spread hate nationwide against leftists and student activists in the 1970s.

 

Apirat reportedly ordered military radio networks to play the song and anthems such as “The Army March” three times a day to rally his troops and the Thai people against what he deemed a security threat.

 

Hours later the order was terminated – though the songs continue to be played within military barracks to express the top brass’ attitude against the population of this country.

 

The words of “Nak Phaendin”, or “Burden to the Country” dictate that the “worthless” and the “enemies of the nation” should be eliminated. This song of hate was composed in 1975 by an Army officer and became part of the propaganda push against the communist movement in Thailand during the Cold War.

 

The song, and a movie of the same name, branded as enemies of the country those whose ideas differed from the state-promoted ultra-rightist nationalism. Such persons are not legitimately Thai and don’t deserve to live in a “kingdom of loyal subjects”, the lyrics imply.

 

This state-sponsored hate speech was broadcast many times a day, leading to a rise in opposition against the student movement, leftists and communists during the 1970s. The hate eventually spilled over into the massacre of students at Thammasat University on October 6, 1976, a dark stain on Thai history that refuses to fade. No answer has ever been found for why innocent youth were killed merely for calling for social justice and equality in the country.

 

As a schoolboy growing up in a military family at the time, Apirat would have been ignorant of the link between the hate speech and the crime against humanity committed at Thammasat. But as the 59-year-old Army chief, he has no excuse for dredging up that hate to foster further tension in an already dangerously divided country.

 

In a nation where communist ideology has now been practically defeated, Apirat resorted to portraying opposing politicians as state enemies who are worthless and even lacking humanity. They are burdens that should be eliminated, he suggests, in order to cleanse the land. The echo of the words used to demonise Thammasat students more than 40 years ago is as direct as it is chilling.

 

Apirat has chosen the path of division, hatred and power, when in truth reconciliation is the only way forward to national development and peace.

 

Thailand’s political divide is deepening, fed by a cynical and calculating strategy being rolled out by the elites and powers-that-be. The military claims two coups in less than a decade were staged to bring reconciliation; the Army chief should ask himself how his discourse of hatred can bring people together.

 

The true reconciliation that our country so desperately needs cannot be forged by dictat, hatred and fear.   

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30364433

 

 -- © Copyright The Nation 2019-02-20

[YetAnother]

17 minutes ago, webfact said:

The anger is easily explained by the fact that Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan’s proposal also represented a serious threat to the military’s role in politics.

thai military doesnt view itself as having a role in politics; it views itself as Way above politics; take the standard paper-thin thai male ego, give them guns , a uniform and a big title and criticize them and you Will get this 'fury' and 'anger'

[pattayadgw]

This is more than a little disconcerting!!

[Samui Bodoh]

"...Thailand’s political divide is deepening, fed by a cynical and calculating strategy being rolled out by the elites and powers-that-be. The military claims two coups in less than a decade were staged to bring reconciliation; the Army chief should ask himself how his discourse of hatred can bring people together.

 

The true reconciliation that our country so desperately needs cannot be forged by dictat, hatred and fear..."   

 

The words above do have a ring of truth, but they also contain a fatal flaw; the presumption that the "Elites and Powers That Be" actually want to see reconciliation. I see no evidence of wanting to have a process of reconciliation, nor do I see any evidence of a strategy of reconciliation being implemented.

 

While the highest levels of Thai society and governance are murky, there is no discernible policy that I could point to as reconciliatory in nature. Rather, for the last 4-5 years we have seen 'enemies' of the current Junta driven to exile, jailed, investigated and charged, subjected to various 'orders', and/or 'investigated' on a regular basis. We have seen little or no attempt to reach out beyond the current ruling military clique to include other points of view; see how many 'retired generals' now sit on 'Independent agency' boards. 

 

The line from the Editorial;

 

"The true reconciliation that our country so desperately needs cannot be forged by dictat, hatred and fear.."

 

is correct, but that is the policy being implemented. And, simply put, it will not work; reconciliation can't occur without a genuine, sincere desire to see it happen.

 

Sad, sad times for beloved Thailand.

 

 

Edited February 19, 2019 by Samui Bodoh

[Puchaiyank]

It appears that the animosity that existed some 40 years ago when student protests were met with military resistence...still exists today.

 

This could become another dark and violent time in Thai history.  It is difficult to reason with people who have guns.

Edited February 19, 2019 by Puchaiyank

[Thailand]

Listen to the people perhaps instead of old "hate" songs?

[leeneeds]

Expressing ones opinion on spending of government monies is a right,

letting constituents and free voters make up their own minds about policies presented,

right of reply is also a free right,

democracy is not perfect.

[Oziex1]

This is going to blow up. From the moment Apirat commenced speaking publicly his words were threatening and his belief in violent action is clear. 

I hope things are different this time.

 

[Cadbury]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Backed by his boss Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan

This cretin is simply doing what is instructed of him by his two scheming masters. His job description is to give these two his unequivocal loyalty so as to ensure a continuance of their leadership of the country and the security of his military budget. He is set to destroy anyone who stands in the way of these objectives. 

He has already said the army will be maintaining a vigil at the ballot boxes presumably to ensure the people do not try to jeopardise the master plan by voting for someone who might try to bring about change. 

This is his militarised version of a free democratic election.

[Sticky Wicket]

47 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...Thailand’s political divide is deepening, fed by a cynical and calculating strategy being rolled out by the elites and powers-that-be. The military claims two coups in less than a decade were staged to bring reconciliation; the Army chief should ask himself how his discourse of hatred can bring people together.

 

The true reconciliation that our country so desperately needs cannot be forged by dictat, hatred and fear..."   

 

The words above do have a ring of truth, but they also contain a fatal flaw; the presumption that the "Elites and Powers That Be" actually want to see reconciliation. I see no evidence of wanting to have a process of reconciliation, nor do I see any evidence of a strategy of reconciliation being implemented.

 

While the highest levels of Thai society and governance are murky, there is no discernible policy that I could point to as reconciliatory in nature. Rather, for the last 4-5 years we have seen 'enemies' of the current Junta driven to exile, jailed, investigated and charged, subjected to various 'orders', and/or 'investigated' on a regular basis. We have seen little or no attempt to reach out beyond the current ruling military clique to include other points of view; see how many 'retired generals' now sit on 'Independent agency' boards. 

 

The line from the Editorial;

 

"The true reconciliation that our country so desperately needs cannot be forged by dictat, hatred and fear.."

 

is correct, but that is the policy being implemented. And, simply put, it will not work; reconciliation can't occur without a genuine, sincere desire to see it happen.

 

Sad, sad times for beloved Thailand.

 

 

Hard to feel sorry for such an apathetic, acquiescent nation of people. 

[boonrawdcnx]

Wonder who that “burden to the country” really is - pathetic little men in green come to mind - useless time and money wasters stuck in the last century.

 

Every “war” they fought in the last few decades was against their own unarmed civilians.

 

Then was Baan Rom Klao where they got their arse kicked by Laotian Soldiers in Flip Flops.

 

They told the Thai people they fought for the country - when it was in reality for lucrative logging concessions destroying entire forests!

 

Good thing is that time is on the side of the young generation who vote for Thanathorn and Future Forward.

Soon all these disgusting, backward, primitive thieves - who pretend they are protecting the country - while they are filling their deep pockets will all be dead.

 

And only then this country can start building a professional army under the command of a civilian elected government.

 

I mean the man has no shame at all - I am sure his father saved the billions his wife and mistress where fighting about - after he did the country a great favor and died - from his salary!

And this little wonnabe soldier wants to sing about a “burden to the country”.

 

The fact that a country in the 21st century has “army radio stations” in itself shows the sad state Thailand is in.

These fascist cowards who have never fought in a war other than against their own people but decorate themselves with a chest full of medals are nothing than “a burden to the country” so sing on chief - and look into a mirror while you do!

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

 

 

 

 

 

[Lungstib]

Rattled military resorts to ‘hate’ strategy; 

Its what they know best!  Perhaps the Thai public have finally understood the true nature of what the 'army' is and how it works. Many different political figures are discussing the reduction of both generals and funding which would of course bring an end to their elite position in Thai society, something that worries the them enormously. This fight is only just beginning.

[geoffbezoz]

Just the ravings of a despot who has the armed support of other despots currently. Take his gun away, put him on the street , alone, and you will then see exactly the type of character he is.  He will certainly need a few changes of underwear and as they say "the chickens will come home to roost" !

[ocddave]

It only takes one idiot with a gun, or hate message, to spark a civil war. He obviously isn't the brightest bulb in his family, but he may turn out to be the most violent, time will tell. With almost 20 times the amount of Generals per enlisted-men compared to the US, you know there are a long line of parasites feeding from the trough, they won't give up their gravy train without a fight.

[nong38]

Democracy Thai style with intimidation and threats of the big stick. The policy of reducing military spending sounds good, spend the saving on the people rather than suppressing them should make their lives better and prove popular, I mean who are the military going to attack or who is going to attack them, they are surrounded by ASEAN.

[Hayduke]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Rattled military resorts to ‘hate’ strategy 

 

Apirat is obviously not just speaking for himself….he is saying what he's told to say. It’s just that General candidate Prayuth is in a pre-election ‘play nice’ mode and doesn’t want to be directly involved in this sort of drama...hence the intimidation by proxy.  As soon as the election is over and Prayuth has confirmed himself as “God-for-Life”…watch the fascist hammer really fall.

 

 

[boonrawdcnx]

Just the ravings of a despot who has the armed support of other despots currently. Take his gun away, put him on the street , alone, and you will then see exactly the type of character he is.  He will certainly need a few changes of underwear and as they say "the chickens will come home to roost" !

The Germans have a word for people like him - “Zivilversager“ - people who are losers outside the barracks without their guns and uniforms being ordered around by others their entire life. Being told when to get up, walk, run, eat and turn off the lights and go to sleep. Most of them are useless in real life - brainwashed to the limit, narrow minded not fit for civilian life where they actually have to think and fend for themselves - not being taken care of like little babies.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[rkidlad]

4 minutes ago, boonrawdcnx said:

The Germans have a word for people like him - “Zivilversager“ - people who are losers outside the barracks without their guns and uniforms being ordered around by others their entire life. Being told when to get up, walk, run, eat and turn off the lights and go to sleep. Most of them are useless in real life - brainwashed to the limit, narrow minded not fit for civilian life where they actually have to think and fend for themselves - not being taken care of like little babies.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Ah, in England we just call them bullies, rats or weasels. 

[nong38]

Must get the name of his barber, looks like the same one who does Kim Jon-un.

[JAG]

3 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

Ah, in England we just call them bullies, rats or weasels. 

Looking at the remarkable assortment of badges, picture pins and assorted military bling stuck on his combat jacket I would call him a "Walt" (Walter Mitty), possibly the "Walt of the Walts"...

[mikebell]

2 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

It is difficult to reason with people who have guns.

And a vested interest in preserving the status quo.

[thaiguzzi]

I was going to post my vitriol.

But nothing more really to be said.

Previous posters have expressed my opinion perfectly on the Scum that run this country.

And they are scum.

Nothing more than cockroaches.

[soalbundy]

3 hours ago, pattayadgw said:

This is more than a little disconcerting!!

should do wonders for the Baht come post election time

[Cadbury]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Rattled military resorts to ‘hate’ strategy

If this is all it takes to get the senior leadership of the military "rattled" heaven forbid what might happen if he was confronted by a threatening external warlike enemy. Get out the boom boxes and play spiteful scary old Thai songs at them? What a pathetic individual. 

[Lungstib]

Having had time to consider (while watering the plants) I have decided that this could, in fact, be a blessing. That a military general should show such contempt for the citizens and the ideals of democracy that an army should be serving the peoples elected government, its a perfect time just before an election to see them for what they are. His angry retort should be shown in every news media for Thai citizens to read how little the military think of their opinions.

[mercman24]

you can say the same about most countries politics, one they get voted in they are all the same, never listen to the electorate who voted them in (or not voted in, in certain countries, hint hint), look at the UK, for example, nearly 3 years of dithering about, and absolutely nothing achieved, MP,s with their own agenda,

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, Cadbury said:

This cretin is simply doing what is instructed of him by his two scheming masters. His job description is to give these two his unequivocal loyalty so as to ensure a continuance of their leadership of the country and the security of his military budget. He is set to destroy anyone who stands in the way of these objectives. 

He has already said the army will be maintaining a vigil at the ballot boxes presumably to ensure the people do not try to jeopardise the master plan by voting for someone who might try to bring about change. 

This is his militarised version of a free democratic election.

"This cretin is simply doing what is instructed of him by his two scheming masters."

 

Not so sure about that, also seems that he's from a very different and powerful internal military clique which doesn't recognize the NCPO and which has no hesitation to stand up to other military folks.

[neeray]

If Thaivisa members could vote, this group just produced a landslide victory in favour of change.

No division here. Not a single post-of-support appeared so far. Now, how do we convert that support to reality?

[Eric Loh]

8 minutes ago, mercman24 said:

you can say the same about most countries politics, one they get voted in they are all the same, never listen to the electorate who voted them in (or not voted in, in certain countries, hint hint), look at the UK, for example, nearly 3 years of dithering about, and absolutely nothing achieved, MP,s with their own agenda,

Not sure most countries staged coups whenever their government under-achieved. Rather insane reason that you gave. 

[rwill]

Yep, there will never be another coup...