EX-COUP LEADER

Respect whatever verdict emerges : Sonthi

By Achara Pongvutitham

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former Army chief and now a member of the Matumbhum Party, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, speaks to The Nation's Achara Pongvutitham about the upcoming "Judgement Day"

How will you react if the Supreme Court does not find ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra guilty in the Bt76-billion assets-seizure case on February 26?

It is my duty to respect the court's verdict, whatever it is. It's the country's highest court, and should be respected by every Thai. In fact, the judiciary system is a critical component of the checks-and-balances system in a democracy and there are always people who agree or disagree on certain issues in any democracy.

This time, however, the government should take strict legal measures [if there is unrest]. We need to govern by the rule of law.

Wouldn't you say there are double standards in the overall justice system with regard to Thaksin's case?

Please don't suggest such a thing. If you were a parent, wouldn't you love all your kids equally? It's the same in the judgement of court cases and has nothing to do with the notion of double standards.

As leader of the 2006 coup, you cited four reasons for overthrowing the Thaksin government, including lese majeste, widespread corruption and unlawful interference with independent bodies. In hindsight, how do you think those reasons stand today?

The reasons are obvious and most importantly, I wasn't the one seizing Thaksin's assets, but an independent body that was commissioned to do the job legitimately. Personally, I stick to the truth and still have respect for Thaksin.

You have joined a political party that will contest in the next elections, even though you had previously staged a coup that effectively overthrew a democratically elected government.

What is your definition of a democracy?

I won't say that a military coup is right or wrong, but I don't believe every coup has destroyed democracy. Sometimes, a coup can help start the process of restoring a democratic way of life.

For instance, in the Philippines the people were instrumental in restoring democracy. In Thailand, we didn't have a democratic way of life because there was widespread political interference in our independent agencies. Also there was political interference in the mass media, as you may remember, so we didn't have a free press. Then on September 20, 2006, people came out to give roses to soldiers [who had staged the coup]. They were happy with what we did - we could call it the "flower revolution". Without the public's support, no coup would be successful.

This time, I don't think it would be easy to stage another coup. The country is polarised with red and yellow shirts, so I don't think the military will do it again. We should be talking about national unity instead.

What message do you have for Thai citizens?

Don't worry about what is going to happen on February 26 or there being another military coup. People should continue their work as usual.

-- The Nation 2010-02-19

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He describes the 2006 coup as a "flower revolution." My oldest friend here in Thailand sent me photos after the coup of children giving ice cream to the soldiers. She wrote in her email, "Honestly, ... I don't know anyone here who doesn't support this." Maybe it should have been called the "Flower and ice cream revolution"

He describes the 2006 coup as a "flower revolution." My oldest friend here in Thailand sent me photos after the coup of children giving ice cream to the soldiers. She wrote in her email, "Honestly, ... I don't know anyone here who doesn't support this." Maybe it should have been called the "Flower and ice cream revolution"

So was it a coup or defector election to oust a corrupt official.

I thought the coup, at the time, was a nessessary evil, mainly due to those "interferences with independent agencies", but Sonthi would do himself more good if he would just be quiet lol.

Sounds a bit optomistic unless some deal has been sorted.

Does Gen. Sonthi's statement absolve him of staging the coup? So what now. He expects Thais to respect the law - after breaking it by staging a coup?

Does Gen. Sonthi's statement absolve him of staging the coup? So what now. He expects Thais to respect the law - after breaking it by staging a coup?

Thai law never say it is illegal to stage a coup.

In fact Thai law say say it is OK to stage a coup; and no wrong doings what so ever, before during and after the coup can be brought against them.

has nothing to do with the notion of double standards. yeah right

What message do you have for Thai citizens?

Don't worry about what is going to happen on February 26 or there being another military coup. People should continue their work as usual.

Go back to sleep Thailand. Your government is in control. Go back to sleep. Here, watch a soap opera or an overrated talent show. Go back to sleep Thailand. Go back to sleep.

What message do you have for Thai citizens?

Don't worry about what is going to happen on February 26 or there being another military coup. People should continue their work as usual.

Go back to sleep Thailand. Your government is in control. Go back to sleep. Here, watch a soap opera or an overrated talent show. Go back to sleep Thailand. Go back to sleep.

ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

huma ha are we free yet, oh no not yet. ok. back to sleep

ZzzzzZzzzzzzzZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

"We need to govern by the rule of law."

Says the man who lead an un-Constitutional coup detat, scraped the Constitution and wrote his own....... Wow. OxyMoran with chips please!

What message do you have for Thai citizens?

Don't worry about what is going to happen on February 26 or there being another military coup. People should continue their work as usual.

Stating not to worry about another military coup , that in itself is very worrying

What message do you have for Thai citizens?

Don't worry about what is going to happen on February 26 or there being another military coup. People should continue their work as usual.

Go back to sleep Thailand. Your government is in control. Go back to sleep. Here, watch a soap opera or an overrated talent show. Go back to sleep Thailand. Go back to sleep.

Wrong. Go back to sleep Thailand the Military are in control read Sonthi's article ...... a coup can be good for democracy! Abhisit isnt in charge as ever the Military/ elite/ advisors to unmentionables etc etc are

I think a more apt headline would be "Respect whatever verdict emerges unless it's one the army doesn't like then all bets are off."

useless self proclaimed general and his antics. this is the reason why the army doesn't want any changes to the constitution.

Sounds a bit optomistic unless some deal has been sorted.

"da deal!".... don't think so, surely is much more known in insider circles!