Thai Army Chief Enters Election Fray

[hellodolly]

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.

Thailand is a decent country with decent laws and a decent judicial system --- it lacks decent law enforcement which is something entirely different. You opinions are noted and if history is accurate you won't be back to deal with your opinions

Thailand is no more divided now than it was in 2005 (there, that's my opinion) and the problem with democracy in Thailand is that it is still regional semi0feudal power families controlling the politics. Meaning it isn't a mature democracy.

sorry to but in here but I thought it might be a time to mention no country is a democracy in a democracy the majority rules and no one has the majority here in Thailand. I kind of tune out these people who think this is a democracy. Generaly I like your comments so I cut you a lot of slack.

I give you the 2,000 elections in the USA more people voted for Al Gore than Bush but not being a democracyt Bush got the leadership.

On another note I find I find tragickingdom's opinion of Thailand to be highly insulting and showing hios lack of knowledge of reality. Why he would choose to live here is beyond me.

[atyclb]

People want to exercise their voting rights and have it respected.

Simple as that.

The army will never win against the will of the people.

Perhaps in the long run, but tell that to ASSK

[hellodolly]

People want to exercise their voting rights and have it respected.

Simple as that.

The army will never win against the will of the people.

Ah the duplicity of it all sell there vote and be respected for it.

where I come from this was called having your cake and eating it to.LOL

[SantiSuk]

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.

Ahhhhh.

The thing is, the Thai Army does have a role in the country.

As described in the laws of the country.

Try to find out before you throw dirt.

Nobody is questioning whether he had the right to speak out under Thai law. I'm sure he knows the boundaries. Most of the concern expressed on this thread is that such rights are anti-democratic. You are right that any attacks should be on the system and cultural inelegance that creates that system rather than personal attacks, but I don't see many personal attacks in this thread.

[Huey]

If I was Thai I'd vote for him.

[ballpoint]

The real reason the PTP, and their supporters here, are offended by his remarks is that he advised the Thai people to vote for "good" politicians. None of the PTP candidates are qualified. It really is a glaring admission to make on their part.

[hanuman1]

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.

Could he be just being honest and asking the voters to vote for the who ever they felt to be the best man and not as in the past vote for who ever gave them the most money?

I personally see nothing wrong with that. But I expect you disagree.

I agree with you 100%. If that was what he said.

In any case, can you picture thousands of Thai voters thinking: "hmmm...now that the General mentions it I WAS just about to vote for 'bad people'. He's right! I'm switching my vote to the people who I used to think were bad but now I think are good!'

I can't either, which makes the aim of his statement as you would have it look a bit hollow. Maybe the good General meant something else after all.

[myfriendu]

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....

best post so far there is noway they will let the red gangsters,run or buy there way in.

this is thailand not europe or usa,and most of you reds on here dont get it and more to the point its got nothing to do with you

things are not going to be pretty i know who my money is on and you may find most of you wont be living here much longer watch this space.

[lungmi]

There is only one thing worse than the military interfering in Thai politics like it does and that is............... anyone associated with Thaksin being allowed to run the country

Not to forget the water melons and tomatocops under Thaksin's reign and their war on drugs and the "pacification" of the South.

Edited June 15, 2011 by lungmi

[pedro01]

From what I can see - there is a widespread plot to discredit the royal family.

I know a number of reds and I get into discussions with taxi drivers.

The stuff I have heard about the royal family would literally make your toes curl. There is a full on anti-monarchy propaganda campaign in place.

I can't repeat the stuff I have heard from various sources but the stories are all the same and always followed with "I have a friend that works in the palace".

This has been the pattern for a few years, a set of 'rumors' going out wide & far and disseminated in gossip by people sympathetic to the red shirts.

[animatic]

People want to exercise their voting rights and have it respected.

Simple as that.

The army will never win against the will of the people.

Ah the duplicity of it all sell there vote and be respected for it.

where I come from this was called having your cake and eating it to.LOL

If only the product they believe they are buying were really what they will receive, and not just be left standing with a bill of sale and no warranty or rights to redress.

[inquisitive]

"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 !!

What is with you people? You read into the news whatever you already believe. Has it ever occured to you that the general was referring to vote buying when he spoke of the "same election pattern"? Do you have a problem with that? If the general was saying "Don't sell your vote, it's more valuable than the 500 baht you'll receive," what is the problem? Or is it better to try to use ANYTHING as proof of what you already believe than to have an open mind? The general might have been saying to use your brain and your right to vote, and you automatically start screaming "Anti red-shirt! Anti red-shirt!" like a teenager. Or is it that you PREFER to have the elections rigged by vote buying? Could you please clarify for the readers that actually try to learn something from the news instead of injecting things into it?

Good grief. Grow up all of you posters that were so happy to mindlessly follow the author's propaganda. Try to apply some brain cells to what you read. Try to recognize editorializing from reporting because you can't rely onteh newspapers to make that distinction for you. Hey, maybe I missed it in the news, but I don't remember reading that the lese majesty charges against the red-shirt leaders referenced in this article were ORDERED by the army leaders as the article states. I would guess it's fair to say that they received approval of the leadership or we would have heard to the contrary, but to state as fact that the accusers were INSTRUCTED to press charges seems to me to be its own groundless accusation. (And if so, then which one is the kettle and which one is the pot?)

[geriatrickid]

Ahh, the Abhisit government supporters are certainly effecting contortions in an effort to explain the inappropriate comments of a military commander. The fact remains that the general should not have commented at all. Whether or not his comments are a thinly disguised threat are not germane to the key issue which is one of the the military staying out of politics.

I note all the side issues unrelated to the inappropriate comments, and of course the most noticeable canard of them all, the LM charges. LM charges are used to justify a position. Odd though, that the use of LM charges to silence political opponents and to deny basic rights and freedoms is trotted out as an indirect justification. Seems to me that the supporters of the current government will stop at nothing to hang on to power.

This time though, should the military intervene, it will most likely find itself on the receiving end of some painful economic sanctions. In case anyone missed it, the international community is a much different place than it was at the time of the last coup.

[MILT]

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.

What i read is that he is reminding the Thai people about the Thaskin Dynasty being in power again, and I for one appreciate the most important statement The Monarchy, which Taskin and the red shirts seem to hold contempt.

[unanimosity]

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!

Allowed?

Edited June 15, 2011 by metisdead
Font normalized, please default forum font.

[jayboy]

Has it ever occured to you that the general was referring to vote buying when he spoke of the "same election pattern"? Do you have a problem with that?

I do have a problem with what the General said, and I have a problem with your insulting tone.Few people would assume his remarks about the "same election pattern" refer to vote buying.In fact you seem to have dreamed this up by yourself.

The General's remark in context make it clear that his hostile remarks refers to the main opposition party.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/southeast/Thai-Army-Chief-Issues-Veiled-Election-Endorsement-123902419.html

Edited June 15, 2011 by jayboy

[philw]

What i read is that he is reminding the Thai people about the Thaskin Dynasty being in power again, and I for one appreciate the most important statement The Monarchy, which Taskin and the red shirts seem to hold contempt.

Any evidence to support your last few words ???

[letitbe]

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.

in west Taksin could not be in a position to destroy the nation. Those who think Taksin has even an ounce of democracy in his blood are totally naive. If he is allowed back be afraid very afraid for future of this country. If he went away or simply kept out of it then Army would never intervene IMHO. Here the army act as a balance which is sad. In west Taksin would have been jialed a long time ago as would mot of red leaders. I want to puke at thought of that evil bastard ever getting real power again

[letitbe]

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!

good and i hope if it comes to it they really teach those murdering bastard red shirts a lesson Many will cheer them on and not just elite. taksin is hated with a vengeance in south and is cause of all this and need for army to stop his murdering thugs

[letitbe]

There is only one thing worse than the military interfering in Thai politics like it does and that is............... anyone associated with Thaksin being allowed to run the country

spot on by far the less than 2 evils but one I can happily live with

[animatic]

What i read is that he is reminding the Thai people about the Thaskin Dynasty being in power again, and I for one appreciate the most important statement The Monarchy, which Taskin and the red shirts seem to hold contempt.

Any evidence to support your last few words ???

Hours of youtube videos of the Red Rallies for instance.

And Jatupoen LM charges and a general history with them.

They have been skirting around the edges of LM for years now.

How else to divide the country enough to conquer it.?

[khaowong1]

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....

Yes, most of the posters on here keep forgetting, Thailand is not a Democracy, it's a Constitutional Monarchy, light on the constitutional and heavy on the Monarchy. The Thai armed forces have been and will always be stolid Royalists. If they think some political party is in defiance of the Royal family, they will step in. That's their job. To protect the country and the Royal family. This is not going to change anytime soon. Just think what would happen in the US if the military decided that the actions of the president and congress were not in accordance to the will of the people, and staged a martial law. Who could stop them? They have all the weapons and manpower. You think anyone in congress could stop them, not likely. Same thing in Thailand, can the mp's stop the military? Not likely, they haven't yet. Having said that, we farangs can yammer on and on, but when it comes down to the nut crunching, this is not our country and we have no say so here. If the Thai people don't like it, they have to change it, not us.

[samurai]

Army chief urges people to vote for good politicians

BANGKOK, 15 June 2011 (NNT) – Army Commander-In-Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha has encouraged Thai people to vote for good politicians to work for the country while the army will support the upcoming election with its utmost effort.

Not a bad advice. Quite reasonable and something that makes sense. Who would not agree with that?

But it caused some confusion and left people puzzled about the question: Who had he actually in mind when he spoke of 'good politicians with ethics and morals' ?

Other people were sure they got it and said it must be politicians of that party with the name that begins with a alphabetic character. Lots of wild guesses.

For clarification and to bring an end to the absurdest speculation who might that be, these good politicians, the General Army chief gave further hints.

Army denies backing Democrat

By The Nation

The Army has denied speculation linking Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to the televised speech by Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha urging for voters rally behind the monarchy and cast ballots for "good people".

Some people were on the on the wrong track. The list of the "suspects" - who are the good politicians - is now shorter. Thank you mon General. :jap:

The reactions:

• Thailand's top opposition party list candidate Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday said she has no problem with army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha's televised interview
  Ms Yingluck brushed aside criticism that the powerful army chief's statement was aimed to curb the rising popularity of her Pheu Thai Party.
  She said her meeting with Prayuth was likely to take place after the vote because she wanted to discuss how to bring about national reconciliation and solidarity.

• Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Chumpol Silapa-archa expressed his trust in the military
  

• Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday pledged to resign as Democrat Party secretary-general if the party wins less than 170 seats in the upcoming election.
  Mr Suthep made the remarks after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would step down as party leader if his Democrat Party wins less than the 165 seats it gained in the last election in 2007.
  

[samurai]

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....

Yes, most of the posters on here keep forgetting, Thailand is not a Democracy, it's a Constitutional Monarchy, light on the constitutional and heavy on the Monarchy. The Thai armed forces have been and will always be stolid Royalists. If they think some political party is in defiance of the Royal family, they will step in. That's their job. To protect the country and the Royal family. This is not going to change anytime soon. Just think what would happen in the US if the military decided that the actions of the president and congress were not in accordance to the will of the people, and staged a martial law. Who could stop them? They have all the weapons and manpower. You think anyone in congress could stop them, not likely. Same thing in Thailand, can the mp's stop the military? Not likely, they haven't yet. Having said that, we farangs can yammer on and on, but when it comes down to the nut crunching, this is not our country and we have no say so here. If the Thai people don't like it, they have to change it, not us.

CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND,

B.E. 2550 (2007)

CHAPTER I

General Provisions

Section 1. Thailand is one and indivisible Kingdom.

Section 2. Thailand adopts a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State.

Section 3. The sovereign power belongs to the Thai people. The King as Head of State shall exercise such power through the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers and the Courts in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

The performance of duties of the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, the Courts, the Constitutional organisations and State agencies shall be in accordance with the rule of laws.

Section 4. The human dignity, right, liberty and equality of the people shall be protected.

Section 5. The Thai people, irrespective of their origins, sexes or religions, shall enjoy equal protection under this Constitution.

Section 6. The Constitution is the supreme law of State. The provisions of any law, rule or regulation, which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Constitution, shall be unenforceable.

Section 7. Whenever no provision under this Constitution is applicable to any case, it shall be decided in accordance with the constitutional convention in the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State.

http://www.asianlii.org/th/legis/const/2007/

[rubl]

• Thailand's top opposition party list candidate Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday said she has no problem with army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha's televised interview
  Ms Yingluck brushed aside criticism that the powerful army chief's statement was aimed to curb the rising popularity of her Pheu Thai Party.
  She said her meeting with Prayuth was likely to take place after the vote because she wanted to discuss how to bring about national reconciliation and solidarity.

• Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Chumpol Silapa-archa expressed his trust in the military

• Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday pledged to resign as Democrat Party secretary-general if the party wins less than 170 seats in the upcoming election.
  Mr Suthep made the remarks after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would step down as party leader if his Democrat Party wins less than the 165 seats it gained in the last election in 2007.

(minor editing to get things in shape)

ad.1. Ms. Yingluck will probably issue another, conflicting statement tomorrow and at the same time indicate that she's ready as ever for the debate assume the time is right.

ad.2. K. Chumpol will quote his father k. Banharn and remind all and sunder what a wonderful PM his father had been (all 5 foot of him)

ad.3. Caretaker DPM Suthep did some counting and convinced himself that less than 170 would be so unlikely as to be able to stake someone reputation on it. Stay tuned for more Meanwhile Caretaker PM Abhisit was less sure and will only step down if less than 165 seats are gained. Again, stay tuned.

Meanwhile Ms. Yingluck declines to commit herself to P-net debate.

Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate Yingluck Shinawatra Wednesday declined to commit herself as to whether she will participate in an election debate moderated by the People's Network for Election in Thailand.

When told that Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva had accepted the P-net's invitation to participate in the debate, Yingluck said she would be busy with visiting constituents.

"Let me consider the timeframe first. I need to go out to announce my party's policies to the people first. The party's survey found the people would like to hear our party's policies," Yingluck replied.

Asked whether she would not join the debate, Yingluck said: "I did not mean that. But it would depend on the timing and situation."

-- The Nation 2011-06-15

Edited June 16, 2011 by soundman
Returned original formatting to quote.

[MrChangers]

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.

and when do the military pop their heads up in Europe during elections? Never is the answer. Not possibly or maybe but NEVER!

[kerryk]

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.

in west Taksin could not be in a position to destroy the nation. Those who think Taksin has even an ounce of democracy in his blood are totally naive. If he is allowed back be afraid very afraid for future of this country. If he went away or simply kept out of it then Army would never intervene IMHO. Here the army act as a balance which is sad. In west Taksin would have been jialed a long time ago as would mot of red leaders. I want to puke at thought of that evil bastard ever getting real power again

I would not lose any sleep over it. 18 coups launched by the military in recent history and 17 new constitutions probably preclude any chance of it happening soon. The General only had to stand there to remind people of that.

[rubl]

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.

and when do the military pop their heads up in Europe during elections? Never is the answer. Not possibly or maybe but NEVER!

You mean to say that what happens or not happens in Europe is relevant, or can be compared with what happens in Thailand?

[MrChangers]

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.

and when do the military pop their heads up in Europe during elections? Never is the answer. Not possibly or maybe but NEVER!

You mean to say that what happens or not happens in Europe is relevant, or can be compared with what happens in Thailand?

Rubi read the answer please.

[kerryk]

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....

Yes, most of the posters on here keep forgetting, Thailand is not a Democracy, it's a Constitutional Monarchy, light on the constitutional and heavy on the Monarchy. The Thai armed forces have been and will always be stolid Royalists. If they think some political party is in defiance of the Royal family, they will step in. That's their job. To protect the country and the Royal family. This is not going to change anytime soon. Just think what would happen in the US if the military decided that the actions of the president and congress were not in accordance to the will of the people, and staged a martial law. Who could stop them? They have all the weapons and manpower. You think anyone in congress could stop them, not likely. Same thing in Thailand, can the mp's stop the military? Not likely, they haven't yet. Having said that, we farangs can yammer on and on, but when it comes down to the nut crunching, this is not our country and we have no say so here. If the Thai people don't like it, they have to change it, not us.

Almost 400,000 national guard troops and equipment including tanks and jet fighters are commanded by the governors of each state in the US apart from the federal military. The President can also call up national guard troops in the case of an emergency. Plus there are 88.8 guns per 100 people in the US outside of the military. Iran has 7 per 100 for comparison.