I Don't Hate Red Shirts, Says New Thai Army Chief

[webfact]

'I don't hate Red Shirts,' says new Thai army chief

BANGKOK, October 6, 2010 (AFP) - Thailand's new army chief vowed Wednesday to stay out of the country's colour-coded politics, playing down his image as a vociferous opponent of the anti-government "Red Shirt" movement.

"I have never said I hate Red Shirts... Thais have one colour," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said at his first news conference since taking the job on October 1.

"We are not involved in politics," he added. "There is already a lot to do."

Prayut, 56, takes the helm at a crucial juncture for the kingdom following the deadliest political unrest in decades in April and May, when mass opposition rallies sparked street clashes between protestors and army troops.

Prayut is reported to have overseen the deadly military assault on the Reds' fortified encampment in the heart of Bangkok in May. Thailand remains deeply divided following the unrest, which left 91 people dead, mostly civilians.

The shadow of the military constantly looms over the Thai political scene, with 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932.

Prayut said that another coup "should be out of the question" but appeared not to rule out the possibility of military intervention completely.

"Whatever can stabilise our country, go ahead and do it, the army will support it, but when our country is in jeopardy we will act," he said.

A recent string of grenade blasts in Bangkok and a bomb explosion at an apartment building on the outskirts of the capital on Tuesday that killed four people have added to unease about security in the kingdom.

Prayut said the army was not responsible for the deaths of protestors.

"We are not killing or injuring them. We have told them not to join rallies again because lives are at risk when there are weapons involved," he said.

Prayut is seen as a close ally of his predecessor General Anupong Paojinda.

Both were central to the 2006 coup that ousted tycoon-turned-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is a hero to many of the Reds for his policies for the masses but reviled by the Bangkok-based elite.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-10-06

[givenall]

I also don’t hate the Red Shirt, i just hate what they stand for which is following a stupid leader, Mr. T for money

[Babcock]

it's Mr A then all the way down. Ha ha.

[howardprice]

He may not hate the red shirts but, many do. Have you noticed that whenever a red shirt is caught for a criminal act that Khun JUTUPON has never met them. Amazing isn't it?

Also, the Phua Thai party are also disclaiming knowing anything going on with the dangerous red shirts.

Non of them could lye straight in bed. They all lie like pigs in mud!

[jayjay0]

Hate is a strong word. If you don't hate them it does not mean you like them, admire them or believe in there rhetoric.

People forget that they can love democracy and not be a red shirt.

[IAMSOBAD]

Red shirts are not democratic in any way shape or form.

They are led by a maniac and his high paid goons with only one goal. Rule Thailand and get rich as possible.

So sad the poor are so easily manipulated.

I hope the general can put them in their place before the Reds destroy any chance this country has to survive.

Could you imagine PM Jatuporn?

[rkidlad]

"I have never said I hate Red Shirts... Thais have one colour,"

And there lies the problem.

[Thailand]

"We are not involved in politics," he added. "There is already a lot to do."

[Artisi]

Sure, he probably doesn't "hate" the red-shirts, meaning the majority of the ordinary people looking for a chance to improve their life, but you can bet he won't take too much nonsense from the idiot leader and his lackies.

[webfact]

NEW ARMY CHIEF

Prayuth : Coup never my idea

Gen Prayuth

The new Army chief said yesterday that staging a military coup to solve political problems had never been his idea and he never interfered in politics.

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army since October 1, also rejected media perception that he was against the red shirts. "I have never said that. I share the same colour as the rest of the Thais. Thailand has only one colour - the colour of the country and her people," Prayuth said in an interview.

He called on all groups to join the "good people of the country" to help Thailand progress further.

When asked if he had thought of staging a coup, Prayuth replied it had never been his idea. "I have no reason to insist on it; my word should be reliable enough. You asked me if I thought about it and I said I have never done so. And I am not thinking about it now," the Army chief said.

As for whether a coup can solve problems or create ones, Prayuth said society should think about that. "I'm not in the position to say if it's good or bad, or how it was in the past. I want to see a new start for the future."

The Army last staged a coup on September 19, 2006, which brought down the government of Thaksin Shinawatra. The coup leader was then Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. At the time, Prayuth was deputy commander of the First Army Region and troops under his supervision were also involved in the power seizure.

However, Prayuth dismissed beliefs that the military was interfering in politics, saying the Army was required to follow government orders and to ensure national security and stability.

Regarding the perception that this government needed the Army for its stability, Prayuth replied: "The government has never relied on me and they have never requested me for anything ... They do not have to ask soldiers for favours; it's the soldiers' duty to do their job."

He also urged politicians to stop pressuring the Army to follow their orders. He said many rules and regulations about using force bind the soldiers. "Soldiers must be soldiers of the people, with the duty of protecting the country, the religion and the monarchy," the Army chief said.

-- The Nation 2010-10-07

[geriatrickid]

it is wonderful that the General doesn't like coups. What a wonderful man.

Do you think he would answer my inquiry if I asked how much a general's position was selling for now?

Or is that a tad too inappropriate?

Edited October 7, 2010 by geriatrickid

[phiphidon]

it is wonderful that the General doesn't like coups. What a wonderful man.

Do you think he would answer my inquiry if I asked how much a general's position was selling for now?

Or is that a tad too inappropriate?

I think it costs you your soul...........

[Buchholz]

it is wonderful that the General doesn't like coups. What a wonderful man.

Do you think he would answer my inquiry if I asked how much a general's position was selling for now?

Or is that a tad too inappropriate?

Go for it:

Royal Thai Army Headquarters is located 0.2 kilometre away from Prachathippattai Road; 0.2 kilometre away from Wisut Kasat Road; 0.2 kilometre away from Trok Parinayok; 0.3 kilometre away from Soi Nambanyat; 0.3 kilometre away from Ratchadamnoen Nok Road; Royal Thai Army Headquarters is geographically located at latitude (13.7625 degrees) 13° 45' 44" North of the Equator and longitude (100.506 degrees) 100° 30' 21" East of the Prime Meridian on the Map of Bangkok.

[asiawatcher]

I bet his fingers were crossed behind his back and he said this tongue in cheek. Go for it Khun A. You have my support.

[SomTumTiger]

it is wonderful that the General doesn't like coups. What a wonderful man.

Do you think he would answer my inquiry if I asked how much a general's position was selling for now?

Or is that a tad too inappropriate?

I would say if you asked that question, I'd love to be there when you got your answer.