Report Thailand's Military Aims for Reform Amid Political Unrest

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Army Facebook

 

Thailand's military is pledging change with no coups in sight, despite rising political tensions. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasised a shift towards a modern and professional force over past practices.

 

"The military's mindset has evolved," Phumtham stated, outlining plans to cut excess staff and upgrade weaponry without expanding traditional ambitions. This approach has impacted major defence deals. Under his guidance, Phumtham advanced the Navy's delayed submarine project by switching to Chinese engines, and endorsed the Royal Thai Air Force's acquisition of Swedish Gripen E/F fighter jets, expected to be reviewed by the Cabinet soon. The Navy will also proceed with purchasing two frigates.

 

Lawmakers, recognising the need for national security enhancements, have backed these purchases. The Air Force will continue with acquiring helicopters, drones, and armoured vehicles by 2025.

 

Phumtham candidly addressed the harm of past military coups, noting how they failed to resolve political conflicts and eroded public trust. General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk, set to lead the Royal Thai Air Force until 2030, supports this new non-interventionist stance.

 

Nevertheless, political uncertainties loom. The Constitutional Court recently suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding she answer corruption charges within 15 days. This has escalated tensions across the nation.

 

In response to growing unrest, particularly with the mobilisation of the United Land Power to Defend Sovereignty group planning a major rally in August, Phumtham reassured that the military has no interest in intervening. "A coup is not even considered by senior officers," he asserted.

 

While doubts persist about legal proceedings being politicised, Phumtham insisted on the integrity of Thailand’s justice system as a democratic pillar. "It must proceed," he affirmed.

 

As the political climate remains uncertain, insiders acknowledge that developments are hard to predict. Yet, the military's current commitment to reform, rather than interference, marks a significant shift in Thailand's governance landscape.

 

With defence projects and military restructuring underway, Thailand stands on the cusp of notable institutional change as it navigates these turbulent times. The cost of these transitions is significant, with the acquisition of fighter jets and other equipment amounting to substantial sums in Thai Baht, reflecting both an economic and strategic investment in Thailand's future security and stability.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

[blaze master]

11 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Thailand's military is pledging change with no coups in sight

 

Uh oh.

[dinsdale]

The scene for a coup is being set with Cambodia and PT being the ammunition. The deal Thaksin had with the establishment has a the very least fractured. Possible scenario. Parliament gets dissolved with fresh elections called. PP wins with an overwhelming majority which is well on the cards. PT has lost so much with this Cambodia scandal. Even more PT voters will vote for PP.  CC and EC will do the usual their usual thing to protect the monarchy and the elites. and move to disband the party. People take to the streets. The military stage a coup to "restore order".

[JimHuaHin]

Thai military reform?  It has to start at the top of the military.

 

Many young Thais I know in the military are hoping for major reforms; others have given up waiting and have left the Thai military.

[mfd101]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With defence projects and military restructuring underway, Thailand stands on the cusp of notable institutional change as it navigates these turbulent times. The cost of these transitions is significant, with the acquisition of fighter jets and other equipment amounting to substantial sums in Thai Baht, reflecting both an economic and strategic investment in Thailand's future security and stability.

So that's alright then. Just keep spending on our new toys and we won't be more revolting than usual.

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

Uh oh.

 

16 hours ago, blaze master said:

Thailand's military is pledging change with no coups in sight

Knowing how shortsighted they can be... that is not very reassuring.

[watchcat]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

outlining plans to cut excess staff

 

Speciffically generals

 

[Purdey]

Of course, if a coup is necessary, when the army is put into a corner and is given no choice, they have to step in to save the country. No servants for senior officers? Then you leave them no choice. 

😳

[natway09]

They have realized that the upper echelon can make more money by turning a blind eye

[dinsdale]

7 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Of course, if a coup is necessary, when the army is put into a corner and is given no choice, they have to step in to save the country. No servants for senior officers? Then you leave them no choice. 

😳

The last coup the military planted ping pong ball bombs around Bangkok as false flags.

[lordgrinz]

So, a coup is imminent?

[harryviking]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Army Facebook

 

Thailand's military is pledging change with no coups in sight, despite rising political tensions. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasised a shift towards a modern and professional force over past practices.

 

"The military's mindset has evolved," Phumtham stated, outlining plans to cut excess staff and upgrade weaponry without expanding traditional ambitions. This approach has impacted major defence deals. Under his guidance, Phumtham advanced the Navy's delayed submarine project by switching to Chinese engines, and endorsed the Royal Thai Air Force's acquisition of Swedish Gripen E/F fighter jets, expected to be reviewed by the Cabinet soon. The Navy will also proceed with purchasing two frigates.

 

Lawmakers, recognising the need for national security enhancements, have backed these purchases. The Air Force will continue with acquiring helicopters, drones, and armoured vehicles by 2025.

 

Phumtham candidly addressed the harm of past military coups, noting how they failed to resolve political conflicts and eroded public trust. General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk, set to lead the Royal Thai Air Force until 2030, supports this new non-interventionist stance.

 

Nevertheless, political uncertainties loom. The Constitutional Court recently suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding she answer corruption charges within 15 days. This has escalated tensions across the nation.

 

In response to growing unrest, particularly with the mobilisation of the United Land Power to Defend Sovereignty group planning a major rally in August, Phumtham reassured that the military has no interest in intervening. "A coup is not even considered by senior officers," he asserted.

 

While doubts persist about legal proceedings being politicised, Phumtham insisted on the integrity of Thailand’s justice system as a democratic pillar. "It must proceed," he affirmed.

 

As the political climate remains uncertain, insiders acknowledge that developments are hard to predict. Yet, the military's current commitment to reform, rather than interference, marks a significant shift in Thailand's governance landscape.

 

With defence projects and military restructuring underway, Thailand stands on the cusp of notable institutional change as it navigates these turbulent times. The cost of these transitions is significant, with the acquisition of fighter jets and other equipment amounting to substantial sums in Thai Baht, reflecting both an economic and strategic investment in Thailand's future security and stability.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

Given the "Kindergarten-like" mess in the government everytime they try to govern after a coup, no wonder the military take over! Seems to me at least, that a new coup is imminent if order is not achieved rather quickly!! 😆😆

[trainman34014]

Is that the same Reform that Prayut pledged back in the year dot ?   Nothing will change.

[Aussie999]

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

The last coup the military planted ping pong ball bombs around Bangkok as false flags.

Recently we've seen a number of suspected explosion packages...I emphasis "suspected" as none have been proven to be.

[JAG]

The most significant reform that could be applied to the military is to sew up their bloody pockets!

[Will B Good]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

with no coups in sight

 

in sight......hmmmm?

[klauskunkel]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"The military's mindset has evolved," Phumtham stated

into what exactly is still a mystery...

[Srikcir]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the military's current commitment to reform, rather than interference, marks a significant shift in Thailand's governance landscape.

Then require a permanent 100% elected Senate. Will the military commit to having no military appointed to the Senate nor military selected in the Senate?

That would be a "significant shift in Thailand's governance landscape."

[Hunz Kittisak]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

So, a coup is imminent?

For the last time no coup this time round 

The background is very much different from previous times. 
There won’t be fresh elections either as CC’s verdict will be to reinstate Paetongtarn as PM.

Just watch this space 

 

[NoMoonLogistics]

4 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

in sight......hmmmm?

That right.

No coup in sight.

 

It's just around the corner.

[paul1804]

Why does Thailand need submarines & fighter jets, spend the money on education, health, law & order & infrastructure. Invest in your future like Japan & Singapore while you have the chance. You have no regional enemies so do not need all these worthless toys that you won't look after & maintain!!!

 

 

[connda]

The Thai military (Coups) provides checks & balances on the Thai political system, and everyone knows it.  It especially keeps family dynasties in check.

[billd766]

On 7/5/2025 at 10:12 AM, Purdey said:

Of course, if a coup is necessary, when the army is put into a corner and is given no choice, they have to step in to save the country. No servants for senior officers? Then you leave them no choice. 

😳

A military coup is NEVER necessary in Thailand.

[billd766]

56 minutes ago, paul1804 said:

Why does Thailand need submarines & fighter jets, spend the money on education, health, law & order & infrastructure. Invest in your future like Japan & Singapore while you have the chance. You have no regional enemies so do not need all these worthless toys that you won't look after & maintain!!!

 

 

If Thailand has no regional enemies does that mean that myanmar and Cambodia simply don't exist?

[DezLez]

1 hour ago, paul1804 said:

Why does Thailand need submarines & fighter jets, spend the money on education, health, law & order & infrastructure. Invest in your future like Japan & Singapore while you have the chance. You have no regional enemies so do not need all these worthless toys that you won't look after & maintain!!!

 

 

Japan and Singapore both have submarines and fighter jets so why shouldn't Thailand?

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, DezLez said:

Japan and Singapore both have submarines and fighter jets so why shouldn't Thailand?

 

Japan and Singapore are dripping in high standards of care, health care and wealth generation......Thailand will die a death just if tourists decide to holiday somewhere else.

[JAG]

1 hour ago, billd766 said:

If Thailand has no regional enemies does that mean that myanmar and Cambodia simply don't exist?

As a threat which needs to be met with fast jets or submarines, no.

[scorecard]

On 7/5/2025 at 7:09 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Thai military reform?  It has to start at the top of the military.

 

Many young Thais I know in the military are hoping for major reforms; others have given up waiting and have left the Thai military.

 

I suggest it starts with the Thai public who should be telling their elected reps what they want from their army, the boundaries, ethics and morals.

 

And that includes the personal health and saftey of new recruits / all soldiers. Plus guaranteed long-term benefits. 

[paul1804]

7 hours ago, DezLez said:

Japan and Singapore both have submarines and fighter jets so why shouldn't Thailand?

They can afford them and they weren't a priority, their law & order, infrastructure and education is far more established & advanced than Thailand, thats why!!!

[paul1804]

6 hours ago, JAG said:

As a threat which needs to be met with fast jets or submarines, no.

Where would the submarines operate?