Thai Army Chief Enters Election Fray

[webfact]

Thai army chief enters election fray

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, June 15, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's powerful army chief jumped into a heated election battle with a thinly veiled attack on the resurgent opposition led by a sister of fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The appearance of the commander-in-chief late Tuesday on national television urging people how to vote was a stark reminder of the Thai military's long history of intervening in politics, including a series of coups.

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels.

"I want you to use sound and reasonable judgement to make our country and our monarchy safe and have good people running our nation," he told voters, apparently endorsing the ruling Democrats, who came to power with army backing.

Parties linked to Thaksin have won the most seats in the past four elections, but the former telecoms tycoon was ousted in a 2006 coup and the courts reversed the results of the last two polls.

Thaksin's youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra is the main opposition candidate for prime minister and polls show her Puea Thai Party pulling ahead of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's Democrats ahead of the July 3 vote.

The Thai military has a record of meddling in politics, with 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932, and analysts say history could repeat itself if the opposition wins the poll.

The army chief's remarks appears to reflect nervousness about the way the vote is heading, said a Bangkok-based diplomat who asked not to be named.

"There seems to be a certain nervousness among security officials, to say the least," he added.

Yingluck for her part appeared unfazed by the army chief's comments.

"In general the military can show its stance and its role I don't mind," she told reporters during election campaigning in northeast Thailand.

"I sincerely hope to meet him and achieve reconciliation and unity."

In an interview with AFP on June 1, she urged the army chief to keep his promise to stay out of politics, saying she was optimistic there would not be another coup if she wins the election.

"I hope not but we have to make sure everybody respects the people's decision," said the 43-year-old, 18 years junior to her controversial brother.

The 2006 coup ushered in a period of political instability and bloody unrest, including street clashes between armed troops and "Red Shirt" protesters last year that left 90 people dead and about 1,900 wounded.

Prayut, a staunch royalist, said the military would stay neutral in the election, but said anybody insulting the monarchy should be prosecuted.

"Based on security intelligence there are widespread violations against the institution," he said.

"Thailand exists today because of the monarchy. The king did not get involved in things outside of his duty. He has worked for more than 60 years. He should rest and be relieved to see the stability of the people," he said.

On the instructions of its commander-in-chief, the military in April filed a complaint against three Red Shirt leaders, including one lawmaker, for allegedly insulting the royals during rally speeches.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 83, the world's longest-reigning monarch and revered as a demi-god by many Thais, has been in hospital since September 2009.

The monarchy, which has no official political role, is an extremely sensitive subject in the kingdom, and rights groups have expressed fears over use of lese majeste laws to suppress freedom of expression.

There have been several high-profile arrests recently for allegedly insulting the royals, including a prominent Thai historian and a Thai-born American blogger.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-06-15

[random]

Scandalous, is anyone aware of any other democratic countries where the military head is so vociferous (I am talking about first world, not 3rd world banana republics).

He has said the army will remain neutral so why go against that with this press conference, I believe he said he was speaking in his position as a civilian (this was my understanding from television this morning) so why is he doing this in full military uniform, well to be fair, why is he doing this anyway? maybe he can see his job slipping away and maybe he can forsesse a full investigation into what happened last year under his command.

If anyone things the military do not run this country and thinks the army did not do a deal last year with the dems (even though abhisit admitted this last week that a deal was done) then they are sadly deluded.

Cue the cheerleaders now.

[geovalin]

Oups, sorry, excuse me a minute, I have to puke.

What is strange is not that this guy tells that (he's not a democrat and it's his right), what is strange is that no one has already strongly condemned his stances.

Imagine the same thing in any country in the West.

[Boater]

Oups, sorry, excuse me a minute, I have to puke.

What is strange is not that this guy tells that (he's not a democrat and it's his right), what is strange is that no one has already strongly condemned his stances.

Imagine the same thing in any country in the West.

wouldnt happen

[EarthAlien]

Scandalous, is anyone aware of any other democratic countries where the military head is so vociferous (I am talking about first world, not 3rd world banana republics).

He has said the army will remain neutral so why go against that with this press conference, I believe he said he was speaking in his position as a civilian (this was my understanding from television this morning) so why is he doing this in full military uniform, well to be fair, why is he doing this anyway? maybe he can see his job slipping away and maybe he can forsesse a full investigation into what happened last year under his command.

If anyone things the military do not run this country and thinks the army did not do a deal last year with the dems (even though abhisit admitted this last week that a deal was done) then they are sadly deluded.

Cue the cheerleaders now.

Exactly,... why is he in full military uniform and why is he allowed to comment in in the remotest manner on an election?

This guy worries me. He says he's neutral and respects democracy but he does so from the sidelines wearing full military dress and rattling a sabre! (General Guadaffi similarities?)

It just would not be allowed in any western country. He'd be relieved of his duties and probably be placed on charges.

Make no mistake,... the military of Thailand is perpetually poised and ready to take the reigns at any time they choose. Only takes one loose cannon and a fat enough cash stuffed envelope and its a done deal!

[richwantsin]

Scandalous, is anyone aware of any other democratic countries where the military head is so vociferous (I am talking about first world, not 3rd world banana republics).

He has said the army will remain neutral so why go against that with this press conference, I believe he said he was speaking in his position as a civilian (this was my understanding from television this morning) so why is he doing this in full military uniform, well to be fair, why is he doing this anyway? maybe he can see his job slipping away and maybe he can forsesse a full investigation into what happened last year under his command.

If anyone things the military do not run this country and thinks the army did not do a deal last year with the dems (even though abhisit admitted this last week that a deal was done) then they are sadly deluded.

Cue the cheerleaders now.

?

The military are an important element of the power structure of this country.

So no surprises to see them get involved. Democrats are doing all they can to win.

No surprise there either. Thaksin will continue to do all he can to get back into this country and make more money.

And as for cutting a deal, the whole political system is based on it.

Of course they cut a deal last year with the Dems.

People forget that nobody was in control of this country for weeks last year during the protest. V dangerous.

It's up to who is the most organised to make these deals happen.

[webfact]

Chart Thai Pattana leader Chumpol convinced Army chief is neutral in the poll and will not interfere in the results /TAN_Network

[geovalin]

Chart Thai Pattana leader Chumpol convinced Army chief is neutral in the poll and will not interfere in the results /TAN_Network

Best joke of the day.

Thank you!

[Trembly]

The big nasty general ruined the election by grabbing the microphone! . . . The < insert noun > of his actions are about par with the rest of the circus.

[LivinLOS]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result,"

Says it all really.. Vote how we want cos we wont allow your voted party to rule.

Clear as a bell.. From the army chief !! And the anti red complain about election rigging !!

[tominbkk]

Same Ole Same Ole in the LOS! And of course be assured that there will never be another coup!

[hellodolly]

Scandalous, is anyone aware of any other democratic countries where the military head is so vociferous (I am talking about first world, not 3rd world banana republics).

He has said the army will remain neutral so why go against that with this press conference, I believe he said he was speaking in his position as a civilian (this was my understanding from television this morning) so why is he doing this in full military uniform, well to be fair, why is he doing this anyway? maybe he can see his job slipping away and maybe he can forsesse a full investigation into what happened last year under his command.

If anyone things the military do not run this country and thinks the army did not do a deal last year with the dems (even though abhisit admitted this last week that a deal was done) then they are sadly deluded.

Cue the cheerleaders now.

Are you saying military leaders in first world countries are not allowed to express their concerns and opinions.

Or are you saying they are afraid to state them because they fear repercussions.

In other words there jobs hang on there political orientation. So don't state it just go with the flow.

As for being in full military uniform. Well are the other canadates appearing in uniforms that don't mislead people to believe they do other things. If Yingluck was to appear in a bathing suit I would be asking why is she doing that, but she dosen't try to make people think she is a swimmer so she dosen't appear in one.

If you don't like the democrats and the military remember you are in Thailand it is OK to say what is on your mind. The LM laws will not hold you back unless you are going to attack the royal family.

Own up to your beliefs.

Tell us why you support a convicted fugitive from justice. A man who launched a free for all killing spree in a supposed war on drugs. (one he lost the drugs are still here only now you buy them from his men) and a man who bankrolled a attempted coup that resulted in the loss of lives for over 90 people. These are the things one should be looking at and if you have a good reason put it out there. I am sure Mr. Thaksin would love to hear them.

Edited June 15, 2011 by hellodolly

[regfrancis]

Would you let YOUR security guard throw you out of your own home--because some one else made him a better offer for it???

I can under stand that you would be a little unhappy with the 'hired help' if that happened to you

[hanuman1]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in full military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels late Tuesday.

I wonder how this announcement stacks up against the alleged bullying by sections of PTP voters?

He's basically told the entire electorate that if they don't vote the right way, their decision will be ignored using the force of the army.

Can bullying get any more widespread than this? He's threatened everyone in the whole country and officially announced the death of democracy in Thailand.

Edited June 15, 2011 by hanuman1

[Deeral]

Quite outrageous!

When will the army butt out of politics and give democracy a chance?

All the Thai army ever does is attack Thai citizens or the occasional neighbor.

They have never got involved in protecting their country as they are too obsessed with trying to run it.

[SantiSuk]

Are you saying military leaders in first world countries are not allowed to express there concerns and opinions.

Or are you saying they are afraid to state them because they fear repercussions.

In other words there jobs hang on there political orientation. So don't state it just go with the flow.

Members of the armed forces are not allowed to run for political office in the UK by law and do not voice political opinions (by convention I think). I am sure the same applies in most Western democracies. The military are supposed to answer to the elected representatives of the people. Any political involvement is a straight conflict with that principle

[pookiki]

The manner in which the military alleges to be the defender of democracy in Thailand in an oxymoron. The partisan comments only serve to further divide Thai society. It would also seem the Democrats would want to muzzle such remarks unless they know that the comments will serve as a pretext for another coup and the perpetuation of proxy military governments.

[hanuman1]

Are you saying military leaders in first world countries are not allowed to express there concerns and opinions.

Or are you saying they are afraid to state them because they fear repercussions.

In other words there jobs hang on there political orientation. So don't state it just go with the flow.

Members of the armed forces are not allowed to run for political office in the UK by law and do not voice political opinions (by convention I think). I am sure the same applies in most Western democracies. The military are supposed to answer to the elected representatives of the people. Any political involvement is a straight conflict with that principle

He's also shot himself in the foot because now anyone who has a problem with the role of the army in the country's affairs can simply vote PTP as a protest vote. The General has made the army's presence in politics into an election issue.

I suspect Abhisit will not have welcomed the announcement and rightly so. I don't believe he would want to win an election this way even if this ill judged announcement didn't backfire horribly.

[slapout]

One of the basic premises of a democratic government is that any active duty military can/will fulfill their right to vote, but are bared from campaigning for anyone.

Many Thai's seems to pick and choose what part of any law or politically correct behavior they want/will adhere to.

[Samuian]

Well, well, well... considering that in what, many in this forum and elsewhere, boasting to be "educated in western democratic countries" believe, express and support the democratic right of free speech, the same individuals won't give this right in their blatant selfish- "I am right'isher than other's" ignorant attitude; to someone like Prayuth, the Military Commander in Chief of the KINGDOM of Thailand, who's DUTY it is to protect the Kingdom, it's people and his "Boss"! Thailand wich is, as of today a CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY and it's Ruler and TOP Decisionmaker is undisputeable the King of Thailand and people, anyone involved HAS to play by the rules, as simple as that!

Rules are the rules, unless they are changed one day!

"Uncle Arthur" said....

[jdinasia]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in full military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels late Tuesday.

I wonder how this announcement stacks up against the alleged bullying by sections of PTP voters?

He's basically told the entire electorate that if they don't vote the right way, their decision will be ignored using the force of the army.

Can bullying get any more widespread than this? He's threatened everyone in the whole country and officially announced the death of democracy in Thailand.

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

[hanuman1]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in full military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels late Tuesday.

I wonder how this announcement stacks up against the alleged bullying by sections of PTP voters?

He's basically told the entire electorate that if they don't vote the right way, their decision will be ignored using the force of the army.

Can bullying get any more widespread than this? He's threatened everyone in the whole country and officially announced the death of democracy in Thailand.

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

Okay, so who - according to the context you have found (in Thai) - are the 'good people' who should be running the country?

Edited June 15, 2011 by hanuman1

[jdinasia]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in full military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels late Tuesday.

I wonder how this announcement stacks up against the alleged bullying by sections of PTP voters?

He's basically told the entire electorate that if they don't vote the right way, their decision will be ignored using the force of the army.

Can bullying get any more widespread than this? He's threatened everyone in the whole country and officially announced the death of democracy in Thailand.

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

So who - according to the context you have found (in Thai) - are the 'good people' who should be running the country?

He didn't say, or even hint at it, which is ... rather neutral. Had he showed up with one hand on the shoulder of a Dem... or Jatuporn ......

He didn't.

[random]

Scandalous, is anyone aware of any other democratic countries where the military head is so vociferous (I am talking about first world, not 3rd world banana republics).

He has said the army will remain neutral so why go against that with this press conference, I believe he said he was speaking in his position as a civilian (this was my understanding from television this morning) so why is he doing this in full military uniform, well to be fair, why is he doing this anyway? maybe he can see his job slipping away and maybe he can forsesse a full investigation into what happened last year under his command.

If anyone things the military do not run this country and thinks the army did not do a deal last year with the dems (even though abhisit admitted this last week that a deal was done) then they are sadly deluded.

Cue the cheerleaders now.

Are you saying military leaders in first world countries are not allowed to express their concerns and opinions.

Or are you saying they are afraid to state them because they fear repercussions.

In other words there jobs hang on there political orientation. So don't state it just go with the flow.

As for being in full military uniform. Well are the other canadates appearing in uniforms that don't mislead people to believe they do other things. If Yingluck was to appear in a bathing suit I would be asking why is she doing that, but she dosen't try to make people think she is a swimmer so she dosen't appear in one.

If you don't like the democrats and the military remember you are in Thailand it is OK to say what is on your mind. The LM laws will not hold you back unless you are going to attack the royal family.

Own up to your beliefs.

Tell us why you support a convicted fugitive from justice. A man who launched a free for all killing spree in a supposed war on drugs. (one he lost the drugs are still here only now you buy them from his men) and a man who bankrolled a attempted coup that resulted in the loss of lives for over 90 people. These are the things one should be looking at and if you have a good reason put it out there. I am sure Mr. Thaksin would love to hear them.

They express their concerns via the relevant ministry, not on national television, the last example I can recall was a US general and he was rightly removed from his post (Afghanistan i recall).

In first world countries the military answer to the elected ministers, they do not go on military owned tv stations (Because the military do not own tv stations, their duty is to protect the country, not own banks and businesses).

As for Thaksin, I have never said I support him, I do however support PTP and look forward to the day when democracy is seen to be achieved and they are back in power, the power that was removed from them via a coup (I guess this is the coup you are referring to but you seem to have the perpetrator wrong). If you want a democracy you deal with who is elected, if you don't like them you vote them out at the next election, you do not stage a coup, then make sure after the next election the winners are disbanded while making sure your favourtite party escape justice for the same offence, then do a deal with said party and allow them to form a government, then get told sort out this mess and we will make you head of the army, we will turn a blind eye to how you do it (this is of course being polite because as far as anyone knows the government ordered it, and if not are complicite in the cover up today).

So back on to the subject, do you think it is right for the head of the army to make such comments? Do you support the dems that oversaw a massacre of Thai civillians? If this General was speaking out in favour fo the PTP would you now be on here telling us all how wrong it is for he head of the army to be involved???

No need to answer, just have this

[random]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in full military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels late Tuesday.

I wonder how this announcement stacks up against the alleged bullying by sections of PTP voters?

He's basically told the entire electorate that if they don't vote the right way, their decision will be ignored using the force of the army.

Can bullying get any more widespread than this? He's threatened everyone in the whole country and officially announced the death of democracy in Thailand.

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

or maybe he was making a veiled threat to the country.

[jdinasia]

"If you allow a repeat of the same election pattern, then we will always get the same result," General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, dressed in full military uniform, said in an interview aired on two army-run channels late Tuesday.

I wonder how this announcement stacks up against the alleged bullying by sections of PTP voters?

He's basically told the entire electorate that if they don't vote the right way, their decision will be ignored using the force of the army.

Can bullying get any more widespread than this? He's threatened everyone in the whole country and officially announced the death of democracy in Thailand.

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

or maybe he was making a veiled threat to the country.

It certainly didn't come across that way when I watched it.

[hanuman1]

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

So who - according to the context you have found (in Thai) - are the 'good people' who should be running the country?

He didn't say, or even hint at it, which is ... rather neutral. Had he showed up with one hand on the shoulder of a Dem... or Jatuporn ......

He didn't.

Yep. Not saying something is usually a pretty neutral thing to do.

However, he referred to past known voting patterns and their outcomes. He said the same outcome would happen if the voting patterns were repeated. Why do you think he said this? Was it a complete waste of time to make this announcement if the obvious was being stated?

I would suggest he was trying to influence voters to vote in a pattern different from the one before. But I expect you disagree.

[tragickingdom]

If Thailand was a decent country with decent laws and a decent judicial system. Prayuth would have been stripped of his rank within hours after his speech. If only there were transparent procedures to elect a decent army boss Prayuth would never have made it.

His intervention is scandalous. Not only were Thais more divided than ever under his and his predecessors rule, "the institution" as he calls it was damaged because of army interference in the elections. On top of that he was not able to solve the problem in the South, he bought numerous high profile weaponry from which the procurement processes smacks like corruption.

If mister Prayuth had balles he would have met Yingluck, a real army leader would not have refused to see her.

[jdinasia]

I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what was said (in Thai) .... In context he was referring to the PAD and UDD/PTP protests over the last few years.

So who - according to the context you have found (in Thai) - are the 'good people' who should be running the country?

He didn't say, or even hint at it, which is ... rather neutral. Had he showed up with one hand on the shoulder of a Dem... or Jatuporn ......

He didn't.

Yep. Not saying something is usually a pretty neutral thing to do.

However, he referred to past known voting patterns and their outcomes. He said the same outcome would happen if the voting patterns were repeated. Why do you think he said this? Was it a complete waste of time to make this announcement if the obvious was being stated?

I would suggest he was trying to influence voters to vote in a pattern different from the one before. But I expect you disagree.

I would suggest that he was urging voters to think about the consequences of casting ballots and the good of the country. Personally it felt like he may have been suggesting going to minor parties but that is not what he said and I may have missed some nuance in the Thai. (My listening skills are far better than my speaking skills in Thai, but still far from perfect!) As a private person the electorate SHOULD be talking this way. I am not sure that a General should be the one saying it. A way forward is going to require change that does not end up with mobs on the streets (either mob). The past few years has seen Thailand move away from buying arms from the USA which easily could be a precursor to ditching a destructive democracy for a longer time period than a year the next time (regardless of who wins ... if it brings mobs back on the streets I think we will see the military grab power -- and another time period like 1980-1988 with an appointed PM. I think everyone is trying to avoid that including the generals .. but I do not think they will tolerate mob-rule/pressure any more.

edit to explain the USA comment --- the USA by law (US law) is not allowed to sell arms to a country that has moved away from democracy.

Edited June 15, 2011 by jdinasia

[random]

or maybe he was making a veiled threat to the country.

It certainly didn't come across that way when I watched it.

Of course it didn't, because you and him support the same party, the party that he can manipulate and not need to stage a coup to overthrow as he already controls them.