Ex-Communist Insurgent Phumtham’s Appointment as Defence Minister Unwelcome by Military

[webfact]

FILE - Phumtham Wechayachai. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath 

 

The recent appointment of Phumtham Wechayachai, a former communist insurgent, as Thailand’s new Defence Minister has sparked widespread unease among military ranks, both active and retired.

 

This move, driven by de facto Pheu Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has been met with significant disapproval within the armed forces, according to retired general and ex-senator Somchet Boonthanom.

 

Somchet accused Thaksin of attempting to consolidate control over the military, alleging that Phumtham’s appointment was part of a broader strategy to align the military with Thaksin's personal and partisan ambitions.

 

The defence minister’s role is pivotal in shaping military policies, and Phumtham, a close ally of Thaksin, has a controversial past that exacerbates tensions.

 

Phumtham’s involvement with the now-defunct Communist Party of Thailand in the 1970s, which waged a guerilla war against the military, is a particularly sore point for many veterans.

These soldiers, who fought against communist insurgents during the Cold War, feel deeply aggrieved by his appointment. Somchet described the decision as “stomping heavily on the hearts” of many army veterans who risked their lives in those conflicts.

 

Somchet stated that the unease is not just historical but also practical. Many in the military see Phumtham as Thaksin’s right-hand man, likely to push a political agenda within the armed forces.

 

This perception stems from past coups in 2006 and 2014 that saw Thaksin and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra ousted from power by military chiefs.

 

Military coups have played a recurring role in Thailand’s political landscape, and the appointment of Phumtham could arguably fuel further instability.

 

Somchet speculated that the military, feeling sidelined and politicised, might eventually resort to another coup to assert its independence and counterbalance Thaksin's influence.

 

In conclusion, the decision to appoint Phumtham as defence minister has not only revived old wounds but also introduced new tensions within Thailand’s military. How this will unfold remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly adds another layer of complexity to the nation’s already intricate political dynamics.

 

-- 2024-09-05

 

 

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[dinsdale]

This move, driven by de facto Pheu Thai leader Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

[ikke1959]

1. Again a prove that Thailand is ruled by the army and they will never accept that someone will change their power or influence. As the article suggest already this appointment  of the defence minister can cause a new coup... And coups are allowed as never 1 man was convicted for it, unless students who don't agree with the Government, while a coupt is far more worse

[Tropicalevo]

The military have hounded Thaksin and his family for a very long time.

Now they are upset that he may want some revenge?

Jesus wept - it's not rocket science guys.

Anyway, all the military have to do is use Prawit's Constitutional Court to do a Srettha on the PM.

[Purdey]

A few retired generals must be concerned that he will look at the red tank issue.

[mfd101]

In a well-organized democracy, assorted dinosaurs of all varieties would be fleeing the country in fear of their lives.

[Mavideol]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

new Defence Minister has sparked widespread unease among military ranks, both active and retired.

jeezzz what a surprise, the dinosaurs afraid of losing their grip on power

[klauskunkel]

It sure is a funny country this Thailand...

[MikeandDow]

This guy is a communist fought against the Thai government,  banned for 5 yrs   so where is the integrity in this appointment !! and Defense minister unbelievable   

[RichardColeman]

Probably more chinese spies in the Thai government than the US NY democrat party...............maybe

[billd766]

33 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

jeezzz what a surprise, the dinosaurs afraid of losing their grip on power

Not only losing their grip on power, (they have already lost that to the Kings Guard and the red rim T shirts), but coming under civilian control themselves.  And they only have themselves to blame for the situation.

[wwest5829]

54 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Probably more chinese spies in the Thai government than the US NY democrat party...............maybe

Funny although I confess my thought reflected on a Republican Party nominee for President who encouraged an overthrow of the U.S. government by both trying to change the vote, challenge the vote validity and causing an insurrection. 

[DTL2014]

This is when the journalists  should be getting onto Pongtaen and asking her about this appointment That SHE has approved not her dad.If she can validate it as being her decision based on past experiences with her dad or similar pheu thai advisers  then fair enough. However if she has received this advice from her dad to make the appointment - then he is still meddling with politics ..when he has stated that he  isnt ..and that should have been a condition of his  return and subsequent pardon. If he is found to be involved in politics then i suggest that the pardon could be reversed...either back to jail (hospital ) or back to Dubai..?

[dinsdale]

I had to screen shot my above post. How can anyone be confused by it??????????

[dinsdale]

11 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

1. Again a prove that Thailand is ruled by the army and they will never accept that someone will change their power or influence. As the article suggest already this appointment  of the defence minister can cause a new coup... And coups are allowed as never 1 man was convicted for it, unless students who don't agree with the Government, while a coupt is far more worse

I think it's more accurate to say that Thailand is ruled by the royalists elites and the army and the the courts are there to see that their wealth and power is maintained. The generals are of course part of the royalist elite.