Sweet Words From The Thai Army's Wary Men In The Middle: Analysis

[webfact]

ANALYSIS

Sweet words from the Army's wary men in the middle

Avudh Panananda

The Nation

Gen Prayuth

BANGKOK: -- Military leaders appear to be on the horns of a dilemma over whether they should stay out of politics, while standing at the centre of the political landscape with opposing camps vying for their support.

In the face of escalating polarisation between the Pheu Thai and Democrat parties, Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has been pestered by reporters to comment on the political situation.

As the two major parties try to sway sentiment and outwit one another, Prayuth opts for a survival strategy of sweet talk for all sides.

He has instructed his officers to be cordial to the coalition and opposition while staying on the sidelines as observers to the political tug of war.

His chief of staff, General Sirichai Distakul, is working hard to implement a myriad of government projects assigned to the Army. Meanwhile, his deputy, General Dapong Ratanasuwan has been in close contact with government opponents, particularly the Democrats and those in the People's Alliance for Democracy.

The Army chief is keeping his cards close to his chest. In the Democrat-Pheu Thai spat over the request by Nasa to conduct weather research at U-tapao air base, he made ambiguous remarks that could be construed as pro-government but stopped short of debunking the opposition's concern about regional security.

In light of the mushrooming mass rallies, the Internal Security Operations Command has turned a blind eye to the current agitation. The pro-government camp has free rein to mobilise the red shirts. The anti-government camp is equally free to counter the red rallies.

While opposing camps compete to stir up the masses, the question is how long the Army can afford to remain on the sidelines?

If politicians keep on fuelling social divisions, then it's a matter of time before Prayuth is forced to show his cards.

-- The Nation 2012-07-03

[theblether]

Behold........the Achilles heel of Thailand.

[canopus1969]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

[h90]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

[Hyponeros]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

[h90]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

No that is wrong. The Army swears to protect the country and the King. They don't swear to protect the private interests of some politicians who are in power due to vote buying.

They have to protect the country and not politicians.

If you have someone like Hitler, it is obvious that a military coup would be better than millions of deads. In most other cases it isn't as clear. But if someone is on the way to be unelected Dictator and send some special forces to slaughter elderly women than it is enough in my opinion to stage a coup.

[indyuk]

Behold........the Achilles heel of Thailand.

Thailand's Achilles heel is the stance of the Democrats and in particular their leader Rt.Hon. Abhisit in refusing to recognize the validity of the peoples will.

Psychologically stable politicians direct their considered advice to the Government of the time through rational assessment of Government policy. This must be with a view to providing soundly composed guidance to the party in power. Such is preferable to knee jerking hostility arising from their psychosis imposed upon them by failures.

[chotthee]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

Why not press the reset button now. Another coup please, it is already overdue.

[phiphidon]

No that is wrong. The Army swears to protect the country and the King. They don't swear to protect the private interests of some politicians who are in power due to vote buying.

They have to protect the country and not politicians.

If you have someone like Hitler, it is obvious that a military coup would be better than millions of deads. In most other cases it isn't as clear. But if someone is on the way to be unelected Dictator and send some special forces to slaughter elderly women than it is enough in my opinion to stage a coup.

"send some special forces to slaughter elderly women" When did this particular event happen?

Edited July 3, 2012 by phiphidon

[tlansford]

While opposing camps compete to stir up the masses, the question is how long the Army can afford to remain on the sidelines? If politicians keep on fuelling social divisions, then it's a matter of time before Prayuth is forced to show his cards.

great, so The Nation, like the PAD, seems to call for a military coup? Or maybe I am missing some other activity that is possible for the military if it no longer can "afford to remain on the sidelines"?

[whybother]

Thailand's Achilles heel is the stance of the Democrats and in particular their leader Rt.Hon. Abhisit in refusing to recognize the validity of the peoples will.

Psychologically stable politicians direct their considered advice to the Government of the time through rational assessment of Government policy. This must be with a view to providing soundly composed guidance to the party in power. Such is preferable to knee jerking hostility arising from their psychosis imposed upon them by failures.

Are you suggesting that the opposition should just sit back and let the government do anything that they want without question?

[55Jay]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

Agree on the reporters asking which gives creedence to the coup process, an expectation, a normal, viable option.

Election, coup, election, coup, wash, rinse, repeat.

In and among the roller coaster ride, a niche expat community remains.

[chotthee]

No that is wrong. The Army swears to protect the country and the King. They don't swear to protect the private interests of some politicians who are in power due to vote buying.

They have to protect the country and not politicians.

If you have someone like Hitler, it is obvious that a military coup would be better than millions of deads. In most other cases it isn't as clear. But if someone is on the way to be unelected Dictator and send some special forces to slaughter elderly women than it is enough in my opinion to stage a coup.

"send some special forces to slaughter elderly women" When did this particular event happen?

The 92 death include young girls, nurses, aid workers, elderly women, elderly men, farangs, journalists and yes, you hear it right, CHILDREN.

Edited July 3, 2012 by chotthee

[Hyponeros]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

No that is wrong. The Army swears to protect the country and the King. They don't swear to protect the private interests of some politicians who are in power due to vote buying.

Which is why they believe they are above the law and can decide against the wish of Thailand's people who should get in the government.

If they army was not interested in protecting the private interests of some politicians, why did they put the corrupt democrats in power under whose government corruption was even higher than under Thaksin?

[Roadman]

Behold........the Achilles heel of Thailand.

Thailand's Achilles heel is the stance of the Democrats and in particular their leader Rt.Hon. Abhisit in refusing to recognize the validity of the peoples will.

Psychologically stable politicians direct their considered advice to the Government of the time through rational assessment of Government policy. This must be with a view to providing soundly composed guidance to the party in power. Such is preferable to knee jerking hostility arising from their psychosis imposed upon them by failures.

Bull crap. Thailands archilles heel is the wholesale corruption and acceptance of it by the majority of citizens and buy off and / or ignorance to justice. The present assortment of scumbags with no morality for the people which currently pass as a Pheu Thai government are a bloody disgrace to the word democracy.

Until such time as corrupt governments like Pheu Thai actually start governing for the people and not for one convicted fugitive criminal, and the Royal Thai Police clean out the corruption and actually operate with honourable intent then the Army will thankfully be what it is and that is the one hope for Thailand that keeps populist/dictatorial scumbags like Thaksin safely in his place.

And given this is Thailand where democracy in more correct forms does not exist then the opinion of the final arbitrator being the Army counts when Thaksin like scumbags are about to hijack the country.

And to date they are being very correct in their stance of staying out of it the mess that Pheu Thai and their Red thugs are creating.

[MunterHunter]

Which is why they believe they are above the law and can decide against the wish of Thailand's people who should get in the government.

If they army was not interested in protecting the private interests of some politicians, why did they put the corrupt democrats in power under whose government corruption was even higher than under Thaksin?

Two things here...

1. Proof that the Military put the Democrats in power... please.

2. Proof please that the Democrats are more corrupt than Thaksin.

Until you are able to provide both bits of proof requested, i take your comments as untrue and lacking fact or substance.

[TackyToo]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

No that is wrong. The Army swears to protect the country and the King. They don't swear to protect the private interests of some politicians who are in power due to vote buying.

They have to protect the country and not politicians.

If you have someone like Hitler, it is obvious that a military coup would be better than millions of deads. In most other cases it isn't as clear. But if someone is on the way to be unelected Dictator and send some special forces to slaughter elderly women than it is enough in my opinion to stage a coup.

"The Army swears to protect the country and the King." Are you sure the ranking?

[Roadman]

Which is why they believe they are above the law and can decide against the wish of Thailand's people who should get in the government.

If they army was not interested in protecting the private interests of some politicians, why did they put the corrupt democrats in power under whose government corruption was even higher than under Thaksin?

Where do you think corruption is trending right now? Down with this latest lot of Thaksin thievies? It was up under the Dems because that is the way it has been trending since Thaksin forced his not guilty verdict 10 years ago. Did you even bother to read the poll that was on here a week or two ago that showed the acceptance of corruption by Thai's especially if they personally gained from it was trending up to around 62% of the population. The whole of Thailand including its governance, its police and even its people is morally corrupt.

I can understand where the Army comes from. You rescue the country from one lot of corrupt scum who are about to highjack it to a populist dictatorship, reset it for democracy and then you have to negotiate with the next lot of mostly corrupt scum to hope that the seeds of democracy can get a chance.

[Hyponeros]

Which is why they believe they are above the law and can decide against the wish of Thailand's people who should get in the government.

If they army was not interested in protecting the private interests of some politicians, why did they put the corrupt democrats in power under whose government corruption was even higher than under Thaksin?

Two things here...

1. Proof that the Military put the Democrats in power... please.

2. Proof please that the Democrats are more corrupt than Thaksin.

Until you are able to provide both bits of proof requested, i take your comments as untrue and lacking fact or substance.

No one is blinder than the one who doesn't want to see and I know that whatever proof I bring you you will reject it but here is one quote to illustrate point one:

"it is alleged that Army commander and co-leader of the 2006 coup, General Anupong Paochinda, coerced former PPP MPs, mainly those of the Friends of Newin Group, to endorse a Democrat Party-led coalition, which secured enough parliamentary votes to allow Abhisit to be elected Prime Minister."

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democrat_Party_%28Thailand%29#2006_coup_and_military_government)

"The military allegedly has been working behind the scenes to build support for the ruling party."

(source: http://www.cfr.org/thailand/thailand-democratic-failure-its-lessons-middle-east/p24485)

regarding corruption I guess you already forgot (or refused to hear) the Thai Chamber of Commerce statement that the Abhissit government was more corrupt than under Thaksin.

[whybother]

Which is why they believe they are above the law and can decide against the wish of Thailand's people who should get in the government.

If they army was not interested in protecting the private interests of some politicians, why did they put the corrupt democrats in power under whose government corruption was even higher than under Thaksin?

Two things here...

1. Proof that the Military put the Democrats in power... please.

2. Proof please that the Democrats are more corrupt than Thaksin.

Until you are able to provide both bits of proof requested, i take your comments as untrue and lacking fact or substance.

No one is blinder than the one who doesn't want to see and I know that whatever proof I bring you you will reject it but here is one quote to illustrate point one:

"it is alleged that Army commander and co-leader of the 2006 coup, General Anupong Paochinda, coerced former PPP MPs, mainly those of the Friends of Newin Group, to endorse a Democrat Party-led coalition, which secured enough parliamentary votes to allow Abhisit to be elected Prime Minister."

(source: http://en.wikipedia....tary_government)

"The military allegedly has been working behind the scenes to build support for the ruling party."

(source: http://www.cfr.org/t...dle-east/p24485)

regarding corruption I guess you already forgot (or refused to hear) the Thai Chamber of Commerce statement that the Abhissit government was more corrupt than under Thaksin.

"Alleged"

[MunterHunter]

No one is blinder than the one who doesn't want to see and I know that whatever proof I bring you you will reject it but here is one quote to illustrate point one:

"it is alleged that Army commander and co-leader of the 2006 coup, General Anupong Paochinda, coerced former PPP MPs, mainly those of the Friends of Newin Group, to endorse a Democrat Party-led coalition, which secured enough parliamentary votes to allow Abhisit to be elected Prime Minister."

(source: http://en.wikipedia....tary_government)

"The military allegedly has been working behind the scenes to build support for the ruling party."

(source: http://www.cfr.org/t...dle-east/p24485)

regarding corruption I guess you already forgot (or refused to hear) the Thai Chamber of Commerce statement that the Abhissit government was more corrupt than under Thaksin.

Liberal use of the word Alleged there.... meaning someone claims it, but doesn't back it up with any proof... factor in the use of wikipedia (often wrong, inaccurate and the 'view' of the author and not typically impartial) No Denying that Abhisit was in bed with the military during the red thug protests, but that was after the election... Abhisit was voted in by the other MP's as PM, if your claim that the military coerced the opposition into forming this deal, then why dont we hear the same people screaming about it now?

Lastly, if the Abhisit government was seen to be more corrupt than the Thaksin one, why isnt Abhisit summoned court for all the corruption cases, like Thaksin was? I'm not saying his government was squeeky clean (impossible in Thailand!) but i do feel he was a lot better than the previous Red governments.

[phiphidon]

No one is blinder than the one who doesn't want to see and I know that whatever proof I bring you you will reject it but here is one quote to illustrate point one:

"it is alleged that Army commander and co-leader of the 2006 coup, General Anupong Paochinda, coerced former PPP MPs, mainly those of the Friends of Newin Group, to endorse a Democrat Party-led coalition, which secured enough parliamentary votes to allow Abhisit to be elected Prime Minister."

(source: http://en.wikipedia....tary_government)

"The military allegedly has been working behind the scenes to build support for the ruling party."

(source: http://www.cfr.org/t...dle-east/p24485)

regarding corruption I guess you already forgot (or refused to hear) the Thai Chamber of Commerce statement that the Abhissit government was more corrupt than under Thaksin.

"Alleged"

Alleged by everybody it seems, even The Nation

BETWEEN THE LINES

Democrat govt a shotgun wedding?

By [email protected]

Published on December 10, 2008

The shadow of the military hovers over moves to form a new government, which will see the Democrats team up with minor parties who agreed to swap sides "for the sake of the nation."

A key leader of one of the former coalition parties said most parties had moved to the Democrat camp due to a request by a senior military figure, who was conveying a message from a man who could not be refuted.

Besides, he said, all parties knew that if the Pheu Thai were to take over, anti-government protesters would take to the streets again.

Another source said that if Pheu Thai did form the next government, the military would definitely have to stage a coup.

For those interested in how the Democrats were able to enjoy this shift in support, here's how it all began:........................

...................... key Democrat leaders namely Suthep and Niphon, along with their supporters namely Pradit, Somsak, Suchat Tanchareon from Puea Pandin, Somsak Thepsuthin from the disbanded Matchima Thipataya, and some MPs from Newin's group met Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda at his residence. The only parties not invited were Pheu Thai and Pracharaj.

This meeting would have been secret if the politicians hadn't got lost. So a soldier was sent to meet them at a PTT petrol station, then escort them on a motorbike to the Army chief's house.

Former army chief Gen Pravit Wongsuwan and army chief-of-staff Prayuth Chanocha were also at the meeting.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Democrat-govt-a-shotgun-wedding--30090626.html

[whybother]

"Alleged"

Alleged by everybody it seems, even The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Democrat-govt-a-shotgun-wedding--30090626.html

"a man who could not be refuted"

End of discussion.

[h90]

No that is wrong. The Army swears to protect the country and the King. They don't swear to protect the private interests of some politicians who are in power due to vote buying.

They have to protect the country and not politicians.

If you have someone like Hitler, it is obvious that a military coup would be better than millions of deads. In most other cases it isn't as clear. But if someone is on the way to be unelected Dictator and send some special forces to slaughter elderly women than it is enough in my opinion to stage a coup.

"send some special forces to slaughter elderly women" When did this particular event happen?

When Thaksin ordered the border "police" to disperse the yellow demonstrations, which triggered the coup.

[h90]

"The Army swears to protect the country and the King." Are you sure the ranking?

I didn't intend to do any ranking.......

[h90]

Which is why they believe they are above the law and can decide against the wish of Thailand's people who should get in the government.

If they army was not interested in protecting the private interests of some politicians, why did they put the corrupt democrats in power under whose government corruption was even higher than under Thaksin?

1) How do you know the wish of Thailands people? For knowing that, you would need to hold free and fair elections. Under Thaksin the quality of the elections went complete down the hill, with massive fraud and vote buying.

2) While I didn't like the Democrats the corruption was marginal in compare with Thaksin. Maybe the small and medium size corruption increased in the time of Samak-Somchai-Abhisit-Yingluck, but the high level corruption was never as bad as under Thaksins last years. Thaksin was just in every purchase. A other government would have taken 5-20 %, while Thaksin always had his own companies who got the orders and took whatever possible. Worst the new airport with his relatives doing everything....

[Hyponeros]

How do you explain that the democrats never won an election?

How do you explain that even when the army was making pressure to help the democrats to win the last election they still couldn't win? And then you don't see that what the army wants is not what the folk want?

The majority doesn't want the army to rule the country the majority wants Thaksin! I believe Thaksin's place is in prison together with Abhisit and his friends but the majority doesn't want to be rules by the army otherwise the democrats would have won the last election.

But I guess you will now come up with the traditional arrogant anti-Democratie argument that most people are too stupid to vote!

[mca]

self deleted

Edited July 4, 2012 by mca

[backtonormal]

And that is why there will never be true democracy in Thailand - the military have got to keep their noses out of the trough and just do their job.

No, the other way...the military is the guarantor that there will be half a democracy in Thailand. Else it would be a dictatorship.

Recall how Thaksin made himself Dictator of a single party parliament by braking most of the laws regarding elections.

If the Military wouldn't have staged the coup we would have a mini-Hitler in power now.

Yes, right, the army is the guarantor of half democracy like rapists are guarantor of virginity!

The army has only to execute the order of the gorvernment and of no one else! Why are the journalists even asking him for his opinion? He should share no opinion!

To h90..get real it is this electorates job to dispose governments. The military only guarantees the staus quo and thats why Thailand is a ticking bomb.

To Hypernos.. very true why is the media poking its mike under the Generals nose---- bcos its told to by its editor and its editor is told to by the papers owner. Now we are getting closer to one of the amatya or somebody with vested interest to keep it the way it is

Edited July 4, 2012 by backtonormal