Prayuth washes hands off Abhisit Army rank issue

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday declined to comment on the defence minister's order to appoint a committee to consider stripping Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva of his Army rank.

Prayuth said he would leave the matter up to the investigation process and the justice system, adding that he did not wish to clash with his superiors or Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat.

Sukampol has alleged that Abhisit dodged military conscription and, hence, was not qualified to hold the rank of second lieutenant, which he earned while teaching at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Prayuth had earlier defended Abhisit, saying he had not dodged conscription but sought to delay it and was eventually exempted when he got hired as a teacher at the academy.

Also yesterday, Pheu Thai MP Korkaew Pikulthong renewed his call for Sukampol to take legal action against Abhisit, alleging the Democrat leader had used false documents to apply for a job with the academy.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, meanwhile, said he could not comment on the case because he had not seen documents from the Defence Ministry yet. Chalerm added that the case of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra - whose police rank of lieutenant colonel the opposition wants revoked because he is a fugitive - was different from that of Abhisit. The deputy PM said he would never strip Thaksin of his rank, but would instead promote him to become a general.

-- The Nation 2012-10-12

Justice, 'Thaksin thinks" Pheu Thai and UDD style. I assume k. Chalerm made his remarks on promoting a well deserving individual in parliament where he is free to say more-or-less what he wants?

Chalerm the deputy PM said he would never strip Thaksin of his rank, but would instead promote him to become a general.

What a beautiful country we live in: "land of smiles" indeed now I understand why everyone's laughing.

Justice, 'Thaksin thinks" Pheu Thai and UDD style. I assume k. Chalerm made his remarks on promoting a well deserving individual in parliament where he is free to say more-or-less what he wants?

The Ombudsman Office determined that issuing a new passport to a convicted fugitive on the run was wrong.

Will the Police Commission make the same determination on promoting a convicted fugitive on the run policeman to Police General?

.

Edited October 12, 201213 yr by Buchholz

The PT is reaching new low's in nonsense.

They should all be issued a new tab the same as the students. It would be a big help in their education.

So lets assume abhisit is stripped of his rank....will anything change? The reds commentators may feel smug, but in the bigger picture this will have no effect whatsoever, other than promoting reconciliation (aka getting back at your enemies)

Yes PT, the party who seeks reconciliation by spending every waking moment finding new ways to antagonize and humiliate their opponents! I'm sure that will motivate the Dems to reach out, hug and make up.

I seem to remember that Chalerm's two elder sons were cashiered from the police because their conscription papers were found to be false.

Abhisit's explanations about his conscription are indeed unconvincing and probably untrue. I wonder how many other politicians and their sons paid to avoid the draft? A bit of army discipline and square bashing would have done all of them some good. I think the Ombudsman should conduct a thorough investigation of all of them.

Edited October 12, 201213 yr by Arkady

The thing that I get out of this, which is good, is that the Military commander has elected to stay quiet. Let the politicians play tennis with it, and the army to concentrate on running the Army.

The thing that I get out of this, which is good, is that the Military commander has elected to stay quiet. Let the politicians play tennis with it, and the army to concentrate on running the Army.

Can't help but wonder what was the price for the Army's silence. I would hate to think of a new wave of procurement programs for airships, submarines and phony bomb detectors.

Let's just all make up the rules as we go along? Leaving a police ranking on Thaksin simply shows the contempt the present Govt has for Thailand but essentially endorse the corruption within police ranks. Abhisit getting an army rank and then making it to eventually becoming PM, in my opinion should be upheld as an endorsement of his office held. Nothing wrong in that but of course, the reds would not see that.

There are major issues that need to dealt with, the southern insurgency, Thailand's possible blacklisting because of money laundering suspicions as well as other issues, but this government seems more content to chase unimportant issues that will have no bearing on the country's future such as this matter with Khun Abhisit. What chance does this country have so long as the issues that need attention are ignored in favor of personal vendettas.

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The deputy PM said he would never strip Thaksin of his rank, but would instead promote him to become a general.

Would that be classed as "trolling"?

Let's just all make up the rules as we go along? Leaving a police ranking on Thaksin simply shows the contempt the present Govt has for Thailand but essentially endorse the corruption within police ranks. Abhisit getting an army rank and then making it to eventually becoming PM, in my opinion should be upheld as an endorsement of his office held. Nothing wrong in that but of course, the reds would not see that.

At the end of the day for Abhisit, not really a big deal, especially if they say it was reasonably common amongst the privileged. Bit like election campaigns in our democracies where they will uncover a love child or a dope smoker back in University days. If Military service was mandatory to enter parliament, then a bit different perhaps.

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

Edited October 12, 201213 yr by JurgenG

The Royal Thai Army is the biggest enemy of democracy in this country, and until it is put back in its barracks by the will of the Thai people , where it always belonged, this country will never develop to its fullest potential .

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

This is about 1984 - 1986, with an investigation around 2000 coming up with nothing. It is alleged k. Abhisit dodged the draft, it is alleged he had fake papers. The Minister of Defence didn't want to say anything for fear of politisizing the issue, then announced he would say something and cancelled the next day. Dodgy for sure.

As for how k. Abhisit got to be PM, well sufficient MP's voted for him. Democracy, funny system ain't it. Of course a few others who we shall not name for fear of getting off topic, are more crafty and well liked for it

How do you even get a rank for national service?

Chalerm the deputy PM said he would never strip Thaksin of his rank, but would instead promote him to become a general.

What a beautiful country we live in: "land of smiles" indeed now I understand why everyone's laughing.

Could it be " land of smirks" instead ?

I seem to remember that Chalerm's two elder sons were cashiered from the police because their conscription papers were found to be false.

Abhisit's explanations about his conscription are indeed unconvincing and probably untrue. I wonder how many other politicians and their sons paid to avoid the draft? A bit of army discipline and square bashing would have done all of them some good. I think the Ombudsman should conduct a thorough investigation of all of them.

Perhaps you are rite and a term of ervice in the army would have done them all some good. Two years of active service for Abhist and I feel he would not have let the red shirt scum get away with more that three days of their law breaking.

By the way did Yingluck do any service time? Or is lack of service time unimportant in being the PM?

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

Still trying to justify the incompetence of the Government by throwing rocks at the past.

The really funny pat is the rocks you are throwing are made out of cotton candy.

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

Still trying to justify the incompetence of the Government by throwing rocks at the past.

The really funny pat is the rocks you are throwing are made out of cotton candy.

Agree with hellodolly. Strange how some folks are quite at ease to type and submit factually wrong statements.

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

This is about 1984 - 1986, with an investigation around 2000 coming up with nothing. It is alleged k. Abhisit dodged the draft, it is alleged he had fake papers. The Minister of Defence didn't want to say anything for fear of politisizing the issue, then announced he would say something and cancelled the next day. Dodgy for sure.

As for how k. Abhisit got to be PM, well sufficient MP's voted for him. Democracy, funny system ain't it. Of course a few others who we shall not name for fear of getting off topic, are more crafty and well liked for it

And lets' not forget that samak and somcahi (the paymasters brother in law) came to the PM chair through the same deomcracy process. But I guees, for some, that's all OK.

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

I would agree it's wrong to dodge the draft and he should be held responsible for that. Of course it seems that this draft dodging technique is common amongst the rich and well connected in Thailand so if Abhisit has to face up to his responsibilities then so must all the rest even if they happen to be politicians or their relatives. If this crusade against draft dodging is only waged against Abhisit then it will be politically motivated.

As for Abhisit not getting his job as PM by himself I think you'll find, if I'm not mistaken that the post of PM is an elected one voted on in parliament so no PM under the present system has ever got there on their own. I'm glad you have confirmed that he got there through legal means though.

As far as I know the current incumbent of that position didn't even get into politics on her own or into her last job either. To save me some research time maybe someone could tell me if she's ever got a job or position on her own.

As for being "totally harmless" try telling that to the relatives of those killed in 2010 who believe he was responsible.

I realise you won't have had time to think this all through as you've been busy typing drivel

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

Still trying to justify the incompetence of the Government by throwing rocks at the past.

The really funny pat is the rocks you are throwing are made out of cotton candy.

Be wary of the candyman

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

I would agree it's wrong to dodge the draft and he should be held responsible for that. Of course it seems that this draft dodging technique is common amongst the rich and well connected in Thailand so if Abhisit has to face up to his responsibilities then so must all the rest even if they happen to be politicians or their relatives. If this crusade against draft dodging is only waged against Abhisit then it will be politically motivated.

As for Abhisit not getting his job as PM by himself I think you'll find, if I'm not mistaken that the post of PM is an elected one voted on in parliament so no PM under the present system has ever got there on their own. I'm glad you have confirmed that he got there through legal means though.

As far as I know the current incumbent of that position didn't even get into politics on her own or into her last job either. To save me some research time maybe someone could tell me if she's ever got a job or position on her own.

As for being "totally harmless" try telling that to the relatives of those killed in 2010 who believe he was responsible.

I realise you won't have had time to think this all through as you've been busy typing drivel

Everybody knows he is not responsible for the death of 2010.

It's common knowledge that he was receiving his orders from the army, not the other way around

You can't help but notice there is a certain pattern of deception with Abhisit.

He dodged the draft, got his job using fake documents ... Even his job as PM, he couldn't get it by himself. He failed the election and has to be rescued by using some legal shenanigans ...

The only positive point about Abhisit is its sheer incompetence make him totally harmless

I would agree it's wrong to dodge the draft and he should be held responsible for that. Of course it seems that this draft dodging technique is common amongst the rich and well connected in Thailand so if Abhisit has to face up to his responsibilities then so must all the rest even if they happen to be politicians or their relatives. If this crusade against draft dodging is only waged against Abhisit then it will be politically motivated.

As for Abhisit not getting his job as PM by himself I think you'll find, if I'm not mistaken that the post of PM is an elected one voted on in parliament so no PM under the present system has ever got there on their own. I'm glad you have confirmed that he got there through legal means though.

As far as I know the current incumbent of that position didn't even get into politics on her own or into her last job either. To save me some research time maybe someone could tell me if she's ever got a job or position on her own.

As for being "totally harmless" try telling that to the relatives of those killed in 2010 who believe he was responsible.

I realise you won't have had time to think this all through as you've been busy typing drivel

Everybody knows he is not responsible for the death of 2010.

It's common knowledge that he was receiving his orders from the army, not the other way around

A good point but it's not what everyone is saying. Not on this forum at least.

No news on Yingluck's job finding abilities I see.

I would agree it's wrong to dodge the draft and he should be held responsible for that. Of course it seems that this draft dodging technique is common amongst the rich and well connected in Thailand so if Abhisit has to face up to his responsibilities then so must all the rest even if they happen to be politicians or their relatives. If this crusade against draft dodging is only waged against Abhisit then it will be politically motivated.

As for Abhisit not getting his job as PM by himself I think you'll find, if I'm not mistaken that the post of PM is an elected one voted on in parliament so no PM under the present system has ever got there on their own. I'm glad you have confirmed that he got there through legal means though.

As far as I know the current incumbent of that position didn't even get into politics on her own or into her last job either. To save me some research time maybe someone could tell me if she's ever got a job or position on her own.

As for being "totally harmless" try telling that to the relatives of those killed in 2010 who believe he was responsible.

I realise you won't have had time to think this all through as you've been busy typing drivel

Everybody knows he is not responsible for the death of 2010.

It's common knowledge that he was receiving his orders from the army, not the other way around

The old 'everyone knows', 'common knowledge' aka a personal opinion.

'not responsible, following orders' sounds like the Nürnberg apology "I didn't know, I followed orders only". Totally innocent, not responsible. What the heck are UDD leaders, Pheu Thai MPs and Robert A. complaining about ?

Well it is my understanding that a person with the rank of general cannot face charges (in the military) wonder if it is the same in the police......

Now there's a thought.....

I think its fair to say that if abisit had held a real rank in a real army, he would be facing real court martial charges by now.

Edited October 15, 201213 yr by TruthEyes