Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a firm address, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, has dismissed persistent rumours of a military coup, as the nation navigates its ongoing transition of power. This statement comes amidst widespread speculation regarding the military's role in the current political landscape.

 

Speaking at a seminar at Thammasat University, Lt Gen Boonsin faced probing questions about the army's stance during this critical period. "The military has no plans for a coup," he asserted, emphasising the importance of allowing the political process to proceed without interference. His comments aim to quell fears of military intervention, a concern rooted in Thailand's history of coups.

 

As the nation awaits the appointment of a new prime minister, Lt Gen Boonsin remained diplomatically silent on the selection process. The limited choices in the political arena were acknowledged, but he urged respect for the political mechanisms in place. "Sometimes politics has limited choices," he remarked, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the political process over the coming months.

 

Despite the uncertain political environment, Lt Gen Boonsin expressed hope, acknowledging the presence of capable individuals within the political sphere. He urged public vigilance in choosing leaders, pointing to the critical role citizens play in shaping the country's future.

 

Amidst this backdrop of political discourse, questions arose about Lt Gen Boonsin's own potential political ambitions. He deflected these inquiries with a light-hearted, "Let's see if I'm telling the truth," when asked about the likelihood of entering politics. The general remarked on the public's encouragement, noting the widespread support he receives during public appearances. "Many express hope and ask me 'not to abandon them'," he noted, hinting at a sense of responsibility stemming from public expectations.

 

Addressing criticisms over his presence in Bangkok while tensions remain at the Cambodian border, Lt Gen Boonsin explained the necessity of his broader role across 20 provinces. He reassured that commanders remain at frontline positions, managing the delicate situation with Cambodia.

 

In a show of institutional solidarity, Lt Gen Boonsin confirmed the Royal Thai Army's readiness to support any legitimately appointed defence minister. He underscored the military's dedication to neutrality, pledging that the army would follow legitimate orders, irrespective of political changes.

 

Lt Gen Boonsin's statements seek to reassure a watchful public while reinforcing the military's commitment to uphold democratic principles during Thailand's delicate political transition. As the country braces for potential shifts in leadership, the general's assurances offer a measure of stability in an uncertain political landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-03

 

 

Oh dear, that means there will be one 😟

has dismissed persistent rumours of a military coup.......didn't Prayut said the same thing and...... remember what happened, 8 years later he was still there

So, there is going to be a coup, now confirmed by a general.

DeJa'Vu all over again.

 

They just need to announce the date...

 

Well he would say that wouldn't he

49 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite the uncertain political environment, Lt Gen Boonsin expressed hope, acknowledging the presence of capable individuals within the political sphere. He urged public vigilance in choosing leaders, pointing to the critical role citizens play in shaping the country's future.

What a complete load of BS. The people did choose and who they chose was corruptly banned from politics and his party disbanded by the military-establishment's judicial arms in the form of the EC and the CC. The people wanted to reshape the country's future but this was not and cannot be allowed. Only the status quo that protects the power and wealth of the army and the establishment will be tolerated. 

 

How can there be a coup when there is no government to overthrow?

 

The military and the elite will never allow that something changes that is not beneficial for them. So amending the constitution is already threatening

Is the the military united?

 

Do the senior officers speak with one voice?

 

In the past, has not the Thai military staged a coup against a Thai military junta?

3 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Do the senior officers speak with one voice?

 

Lt. Gen Boonsin has been anointed from on high.

 

So yes, his voice should be listened to, and is meant to keep the "politicians" in line, with the inherent threat of a soft Camo coup.

 

 

 

15 hours ago, JoePai said:

Oh dear, that means there will be one 😟

Nah, not this time.

14 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

How can there be a coup when there is no government to overthrow?

 

That is a very good point!

Where have I heard that before 😄🙄

57 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Lt. Gen Boonsin has been anointed from on high.

At least as important - if you saw the daily shots over the last few weeks of crowds milling around and cheering him on - he has been anointed by The People.

 

While his comments as reported above may have been smoothed out by AI, his denials & his support for political solutions do seem a bit tepid.

49 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

That is a very good point!

Counter point. There will be a caretaker govenment.

15 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

How can there be a coup when there is no government to overthrow?

 

Caretaker government will be in place.

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"The military has no plans for a coup,"

because the military has no diesel left to position tanks:

Thai Army Under Scrutiny for Missing Diesel Fuel Scandal

Who cares - seriously?   You cannot overthrow a government which does not exist and I've been through so many "coup d'état" meanwhile - next please! 

Does anyone believe him.

17 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

How can there be a coup when there is no government to overthrow?

 

Actually, by definition, there is.

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

Lt. Gen Boonsin has been anointed from on high.

 

So yes, his voice should be listened to, and is meant to keep the "politicians" in line, with the inherent threat of a soft Camo coup.

 

 

 

So, you accept a government controlled by the military, rather than a military controlled by government.

NO MEANS............ .... Maybe?

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"The military has no plans for a coup," he asserted, emphasising the importance of allowing the political process to proceed without interference. His comments aim to quell fears of military intervention, a concern rooted in Thailand's history of coups.

With all the coups that have happened in Thailand.. Has one of them ever, ever given advance notice that it was being planned by the Army? 

It is when they put comments like "no plans for a coup" means someone better start planning them coming to do just that. 

12 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The military and the elite will never allow that something changes that is not beneficial for them. So amending the constitution is already threatening

 Thanks, I totally agree. 

 

IMO, I can see the Peoples Party being banned, just like the dinosaur establishment did to the Move Forward and Future Forward Parties who also wanted amendments to the Constitution. 

General Boonsin at Thammasart University a few days ago 

 

You know there's a coup when all the TV stations go off air.

Until the generals see what political party or coalition is likely to become running the country, and if beneficial to them, then they’ll decide. 

On 9/3/2025 at 5:51 AM, Mavideol said:

has dismissed persistent rumours of a military coup.......didn't Prayut said the same thing and...... remember what happened, 8 years later he was still there

yes he did!

we've heard this before the last two coups, so I guess here we go again..

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The military and the elite will never allow that something changes that is not beneficial for them. So amending the constitution is already threatening

Agree. But their guy is now PM, so I doubt there will be a coup - not yet.

Anutin will drag his feet on the promises he made to People's Party leaders long enough to push through other things that benefit the establishment - and also reinstate his pet cannibis as a recreational drug. Then, once the clock starts to run down by late November, and the People's Party finally realize they were duped by a guy who was never going to deliver on his promises to them - no constitution referendum, no early election - the PP and PT will call a no confidence vote that will bring down Anutin's 'government' - that's when there will be a coup.