Thai PM Dismisses Fears Over Anti-Coup Legislation Plans

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Royal Thai Government

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today firmly refuted allegations that her government intends to meddle in military affairs through proposed anti-coup legislation. Speaking at a press conference in Government House, Paetongtarn, who heads the Pheu Thai-led coalition, insisted the planned law is not an attempt to interfere but a necessary step for democratic stability.

 

Background to this brewing controversy traces back to historical events. Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister, was ousted in a 2006 coup, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, suffered a similar fate in 2014. These oustings continue to shadow Thai politics, fuelling the discourse around military influence and the need for civilian supremacy.

 

At the heart of the current debate is a draft bill proposed by Pheu Thai MP Prayut Siripanich aimed at reforming military hierarchy. The legislation proposes that the Prime Minister chairs the Defence Council, a role traditionally held by the Defence Minister. Furthermore, it advocates for a civilian cabinet's oversight on military promotions, moving towards more transparent governance within the military framework.

 

Currently, the Defence Council is helmed by the Defence Minister and comprises senior military figures, including the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force. This structure has long been seen as a bastion of military autonomy, often operating independently of civilian oversight.

A unique feature of this legislation is its protection for military personnel who refuse to partake in coups. It aims to shield them from disciplinary or criminal proceedings should they disobey orders threatening democratic governance. This aspect of the bill seeks to empower soldiers to prioritise the nation's democratic processes over potentially illegal commands.

 

However, the proposal has met resistance from within the coalition. The ultra-conservative Bhumjaithai party and the military-backed Ruam Thai Sang Chart party, both holding significant sway in the government, have voiced strong objections. Concerns centre around fears of diminishing military independence and historical wariness of civilian overreach.

 

Despite the internal pushback, Paetongtarn's administration appears committed to advancing the bill, reflected by wide support from Pheu Thai and People's MPs. This move is seen as part of a broader agenda to curtail military power in political affairs, a sensitive subject in Thailand's turbulent history of coups.

 

Critics allege that the legislation could be politically motivated, aiming to secure the Shinawatra family's legacy by reducing military power, which has historically opposed them. Yet, supporters argue it is essential for ensuring democratic resilience and preventing future political instability, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

In currency conversion, the financial cost of implementing such legislation, yet uncalculated, is expected to remain a topic of concern and debate, akin to the complexities involved in fostering genuine democratic reform.

 

-- 2024-12-11

 

 

[ikke1959]

I don't understand that coups seems to be legal in Thailand.... There should be no need to have anti-coups-legislation-plans... A coup should be always punished even stricter than section 112

[fondue zoo]

They had to walk that back fast. 

[freedomnow]

Who is that guy behind her to the right ?

 

 

MAAAAAAAN, he looks so stoned.