PM Vows No Intervention in Thai Military Amidst Reform Proposal

[webfact]

FILE photo courtesy: Siam Rath

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has assured the public that the Thai government will not impose any undue influence over the military. This assurance follows the proposal of a controversial bill by Pheu Thai MP Prayuth Siripanich, aiming to amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act.

 

The bill seeks to curb military coups by allowing the cabinet to approve the appointment of generals recommended by a specific committee, which includes the defence minister and armed forces chiefs. While the intent is to bolster democratic processes, the proposal has stirred significant debate in the Thai political arena.

 

Critics, including coalition partners like the Bhumjaithai and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties and the opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), argue that this measure could lead to political overreach into military affairs. Observers worry that the proposal could also strain relations between Pheu Thai and the military, an institution known for past interventions in Thai political life through coups.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn was quick to emphasise that harmony and cooperation are paramount, stating, "The government today does not aim to meddle with military matters." She highlighted the importance of collective efforts for any national development and reassured that Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai maintains strong ties with military leadership, fostering stability instead of friction.

 

Though the bill is associated with the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn distanced the party from the proposal, saying MP Prayuth is at liberty to retract the draft if resistance persists. Prayuth has already expressed a willingness to pull the proposal for revision if opposition continues.

 

Defence Minister Phumtham further distanced Pheu Thai from the bill, clarifying it is not party-endorsed. He acknowledged the importance of dialogue and expressed openness towards improving the proposal before re-submitting it to parliament. The bill is currently undergoing public consultation until January 1, with feedback revealing a divided stance—72.47% against and 27.53% in favour out of over 27,000 respondents.

 

Despite the legislative intentions, some experts—including Nattawut Saikuar, an advisor to the Prime Minister—remain sceptical about the bill's efficacy in preventing coups. Saikuar underscored that as long as public sentiment remains divided, and some continue to endorse military takeovers as a resolution, legal deterrents alone may prove inadequate.

 

The Pheu Thai-led government, faced with delicate balancing of governance and military relations, continues to engage in dialogue, striving for a democratic, peaceful path forward. This ongoing discourse reflects a broader narrative of Thailand's quest for stability amid its complex political landscape, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-12

 

 

[sammieuk1]

But it's the land of a million generals coup's can come from any direction first check under your bed fake PM 🤔

[fondue zoo]

Walk it back  Walk it back

[Geoffggi]

In some respects, I agree in principle to some of the arguments for restricting the power of the military, if only there was a trustworthy government in place to carry this through. ...................🙄😎

[ikke1959]

So in fact the military has the right to stage coups....whenever they want as the excuse is the national security whatever that may be.

And they are allowed to use as much money as they want for the country with the most generals and high ranked officers in the world... Nice even the Government is not allowed to control the defenders of the country.. It shows only who is really in power

[lordgrinz]

They are all in bed together, why would they?

[bamnutsak]

I think every coup, at least the last twenty or so, has been Royally endorsed. So there's that.

 

2014 Coup...

 

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha was royally endorsed as the leader of the country, although His Majesty the King, who is 86 and unwell, did not attend the ceremony in person.

 

An official royal gazette was released confirming Gen. Prayuth's endorsement after a ceremony this morning at the Army Club in Bangkok's Theves district.

 

Reporters were not allowed to view the ceremony.... https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2014/05/26/1401087010/