Yingluck Should Keep Well Clear Of Military Affairs

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Yingluck should keep well clear of military affairs

By Avudh Panananda

The Nation

The Yingluck Shinawatra government should steer clear of two security-related issues - the annual military reshuffle and moves to quell violence in the South, if it wants to see a smooth start to its time in office.

With former national police chief Kowit Wattana and Pheu Thai MP Yuthasak Sasiprapha poised to become deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs and Defence minister, respectively, the government has entrusted national security in capable hands.

PM Yingluck and her brother Thaksin have made a wise choice in picking respected professionals for the job. But the burning question is - will the government bow to political expediency and meddle in security affairs?

When Thaksin was in power from 2001 to 2006, he was known for intervening in military rotations. But times have changed. If he or Yingluck try to meddle in the military affairs now, democracy will be at risk and the government's days will be numbered.

In regard to military assignments, Yingluck is obligated to adopt a hands-off style of management in order to let Yuthasak work through the Defence Council to line up the top brass.

In Turkey, an elected government has successfully invoked social pressure to rein in its powerful military without having to resort to engaging the top brass in a game of horse-trading.

What is worrying is certain red shirts and a number of rival cliques in the military are trying to convince Pheu Thai to remove Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Prayuth's fate should be a matter for the Defence Council to decide. Under no circumstances should the ruling party allow itself to become a tool to pitch one military clique against the other.

Yuthasak's first task is to complete the military line-up by the end of this month. His handling of military job assignments will be a litmus test for the government's relations with the military.

As a former permanent secretary for Defence with wide social connections, Yuthasak has all the right qualifications to keep soldiers in their barracks.

According to Pheu Thai insiders, Thaksin handpicked Kowit to oversee security affairs. Even though Kowit was a member of the Council for National Security in 2006, it is a known fact that he joined the junta because of his position as the national police chief, despite personal opposition to the coup.

It is believed Thaksin picked him for two reasons - proven track record and loyalty to the monarchy.

Thaksin is in dire need of an image makeover. By associating himself with a royalist like Kowit, he may expect to quell doubts about his stand on the country's revered institution.

In addition to a stellar career in the Border Patrol Police, Kowit attended the Army Staff College in 1977, becoming a classmate of HRH the Crown Prince. He was also appointed an officer of the Palace Guards in 1985.

Kowit is expected to devote attention on two issues - the management of the Internal Operations Security Command and work on the deep South via the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre.

With lifelong experience as a BPP officer working with the armed forces, Kowit should not have any problem overseeing the Isoc.

He has also had first-hand experience on the eruption of violence in the South. He may improve on the existing strategy in the strife-torn region but has no plans to revamp the SBPAC.

Pheu Thai should give him time to work instead of trying to push for its idea of a special administrative zone. Its election defeat in the three southernmost provinces should be a clear message that local residents did not approve of the idea.

-- The Nation 2011-08-09

[KhunBJ]

So is the article actually claiming that without polical inteference then military rotation would be fair....hmm I don't think that is what history shows.

[Sydebolle]

Well, at least the weather is nice, dont you agree?

[hammered]

It is probably political reality at least in the short term

[Robby nz]

Isnt there a Shinawatra up there amoung the generals?

Now he would be a good choice....right?

[mca]

They should probably rename the piece " Everybody Should Keep Well Clear Of Military Affairs Because After All This Is Thailand And They've Got The Tanks "

[Junglejumbo]

Actually, I think that Yingluck has more bargaining power than what the writer assumes here. I think that it would be very difficult for the army to number her days, at least in the form of a coup. The army don't know how to run the country and the back lash would mean nothing short of civil war.

[hammered]

Actually, I think that Yingluck has more bargaining power than what the writer assumes here. I think that it would be very difficult for the army to number her days, at least in the form of a coup. The army don't know how to run the country and the back lash would mean nothing short of civil war.

That is all true, but the chances are her government will want to show they can govern and not be too confrontational as that will increase support for them and make other forms of interference more difficult. Building support will make it easier to get some of their other projects through.

[peecee]

Under any democratic system the government decides senior appointment's (& dismissals) in their armed forces, civil service, etc; that's why these countries have election's. General officer's should have no more sway on a government than their one vote and give any advice only when requested of them from their government.

Until Thailand's elite recognize this they will continue to oscillate between dictatorship's and democracy. I can only wish the new government luck & hope that they act in the best interest's of all Thai society.