Thailand's Education Minister downplays prospects of a coup

[webfact]

Education Minister downplays prospects of a coup

BANGKOK, 6 Aug 2013, (NNT) - Education Minister Jaturon Chaisang has downplayed a possibility of a military coup, pointing out that everyone has already learned from the past, while urging anti-amnesty bill demonstrators to resort to peaceful solutions.

Concerning the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Phra Nakhon, Dusit and Pom Prab Sattru Phai districts of Bangkok, Mr. Jaturon revealed that he had constantly discussed the impact of the announcement on schools in the area with Secretary General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) Chinnapat Bhumirat.

He said he has passed down the policy that school headmasters are authorized to decide whether to close the school or not , or to readjust the time table during the duration of the ISA. The headmasters must give priority to the safety and convenience of their students, the minister said.

Mr. Jaturon gave as example that school principals may move their starting time for class from 8 AM to late morning instead. Mr. Jaturon also stressed that if the demonstration escalated, the headmaster could immediately order a temporary closure of the school. Nonetheless, he said, the headmasters of the affected schools should keep their eyes on the latest development of the political rally.


-- NNT 2013-08-06

[NongKhaiKid]

Now the Education Minister is on the " not going to happen " bandwagon and will anti-government protesters please be peaceful. They are never in a hurry to tell the reds to behave.

Sorry to be cynical but the more politicians tell me something isn't going to happen the more suspicious I become.

[DLock]

Why would I ask an Education Minister about a possible military coup?

Thats like asking and Army General about 3rd grade maths curriculum.

Dumb.

[CrisRMenumate]

Methinks the PT doth protest too much

[MaxLee]

Wait until next week, until the red shirts will join the party as well,...

...

[Wavefloater]

I'm getting the idea that the government ministers of Thailand are all transferable, so intimate knowledge of the area they cover as minister is not required. Anyway, they should know something about coups. Here is a brief history of Thailand's coups -- both successful and not successful.

"Thailand has a past of turbulence and turmoil. It has witnessed at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts even before military forces seized power on September 19, 2006 dismissing Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra’s government. Thailand has experienced this coup after a span of 15 years."

Here is a chronology of some of the military coups and major attempted coups since the Southeast Asian nation became a constitutional monarchy in 1932:

1932: King Prajadhipok is overthrown in a coup d'etat. Armed forces led by three radicals, Pridi Phanomyang, Major Phibun Sangkhram and Colonel Phahon Phonphaywhasena, takes control. Phrayo Manopakorn is appointed Prime Minister.

1933: Manopakorn dissolves the National Assembly and rules by decree, until he is removed in another coup. Phahon, one of the three involved in the 1932 coup, becomes Prime Minister.

1947: Military coup by General Phin Choonhavan deposes the government. Luang Aphai-Wongse is appointed Prime Minister, but is replaced by Phibun the following year.

1951: Phibun leads another military coup and restores the 1932 version of the Constitution.

1957: Following a coup led by General Sarit Thanarat, politician Pote Sarasin is appointed leader of an interim government.

1976: An attempted military coup is defeated in February, but a successful coup in October overthrows Prime Minister Seni Pramoj. Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryoo, previously Minister of Defence, is installed as Chairman of a National Administrative Reform Council.

Oct 20, 1977: The government of Thanom Kravichien, appointed in 1976, is overthrown by a military coup, again led by Sa-ngad. Following which a military Revolutionary Council takes power.

April 1, 1981: An attempted coup, led by General Sant Chipatima, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army, is suppressed by forces loyal to the government.

Sept 9, 1985: A coup is attempted by Colonel Manoon Roopkachorn; a number of senior officers are later arrested.

Feb 23, 1991: The government of General Chatichai is ousted in a bloodless military coup. Power is assumed by a National Peacekeeping Council, led by General Sunthorn Kongsompong.

Sept 19, 2006: The armed forces take power and dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's caretaker government while Thaksin and several other ministers are overseas. The military revoke the Constitution and promise a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

[Payboy]

I won't believe it until the sports minister denies it. Isn't coup d'état a national sport?

[culicine]

Why would I ask an Education Minister about a possible military coup?

Thats like asking and Army General about 3rd grade maths curriculum.

Dumb.

You speak as if the Education Minister has any knowledge of the Thai curriculum. That's a bit of a stretch 555.

Why should the schools be concerned with the convenience to parents / children? They weren't the ones erecting concrete and barbed wire barriers!

[petedk]

I have been looking for a post I read the other day where the poster joked about all the "coincidences" there have been recently but I can't find it so I'll post my slightly off-topic comment here.

Something I noticed yesterday (or the day before), and I want to believe that it is a coincidence was when watching BBC News. I watch BBC every morning from about 5.30 to 7.00 and there haven't been any disruptions or "blackouts" for many months.

The reporter started talking about the protests in Lumpini Park and after two or three seconds the screen suddenly went black. The "blackout" lasted about five to ten seconds and things returned to normal just as they were finishing the report.

Coincidence or someone doing a trial run?

Edited August 6, 2013 by petedk

[Soi Dog]

I'm getting the idea that the government ministers of Thailand are all transferable, so intimate knowledge of the area they cover as minister is not required. Anyway, they should know something about coups. Here is a brief history of Thailand's coups -- both successful and not successful.

"Thailand has a past of turbulence and turmoil. It has witnessed at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts even before military forces seized power on September 19, 2006 dismissing Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra’s government. Thailand has experienced this coup after a span of 15 years."

Here is a chronology of some of the military coups and major attempted coups since the Southeast Asian nation became a constitutional monarchy in 1932:

1932: King Prajadhipok is overthrown in a coup d'etat. Armed forces led by three radicals, Pridi Phanomyang, Major Phibun Sangkhram and Colonel Phahon Phonphaywhasena, takes control. Phrayo Manopakorn is appointed Prime Minister.

1933: Manopakorn dissolves the National Assembly and rules by decree, until he is removed in another coup. Phahon, one of the three involved in the 1932 coup, becomes Prime Minister.

1947: Military coup by General Phin Choonhavan deposes the government. Luang Aphai-Wongse is appointed Prime Minister, but is replaced by Phibun the following year.

1951: Phibun leads another military coup and restores the 1932 version of the Constitution.

1957: Following a coup led by General Sarit Thanarat, politician Pote Sarasin is appointed leader of an interim government.

1976: An attempted military coup is defeated in February, but a successful coup in October overthrows Prime Minister Seni Pramoj. Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryoo, previously Minister of Defence, is installed as Chairman of a National Administrative Reform Council.

Oct 20, 1977: The government of Thanom Kravichien, appointed in 1976, is overthrown by a military coup, again led by Sa-ngad. Following which a military Revolutionary Council takes power.

April 1, 1981: An attempted coup, led by General Sant Chipatima, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army, is suppressed by forces loyal to the government.

Sept 9, 1985: A coup is attempted by Colonel Manoon Roopkachorn; a number of senior officers are later arrested.

Feb 23, 1991: The government of General Chatichai is ousted in a bloodless military coup. Power is assumed by a National Peacekeeping Council, led by General Sunthorn Kongsompong.

Sept 19, 2006: The armed forces take power and dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's caretaker government while Thaksin and several other ministers are overseas. The military revoke the Constitution and promise a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

[Soi Dog]

I'm getting the idea that the government ministers of Thailand are all transferable, so intimate knowledge of the area they cover as minister is not required. Anyway, they should know something about coups. Here is a brief history of Thailand's coups -- both successful and not successful.

"Thailand has a past of turbulence and turmoil. It has witnessed at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts even before military forces seized power on September 19, 2006 dismissing Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra’s government. Thailand has experienced this coup after a span of 15 years."

Here is a chronology of some of the military coups and major attempted coups since the Southeast Asian nation became a constitutional monarchy in 1932:

1932: King Prajadhipok is overthrown in a coup d'etat. Armed forces led by three radicals, Pridi Phanomyang, Major Phibun Sangkhram and Colonel Phahon Phonphaywhasena, takes control. Phrayo Manopakorn is appointed Prime Minister.

1933: Manopakorn dissolves the National Assembly and rules by decree, until he is removed in another coup. Phahon, one of the three involved in the 1932 coup, becomes Prime Minister.

1947: Military coup by General Phin Choonhavan deposes the government. Luang Aphai-Wongse is appointed Prime Minister, but is replaced by Phibun the following year.

1951: Phibun leads another military coup and restores the 1932 version of the Constitution.

1957: Following a coup led by General Sarit Thanarat, politician Pote Sarasin is appointed leader of an interim government.

1976: An attempted military coup is defeated in February, but a successful coup in October overthrows Prime Minister Seni Pramoj. Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryoo, previously Minister of Defence, is installed as Chairman of a National Administrative Reform Council.

Oct 20, 1977: The government of Thanom Kravichien, appointed in 1976, is overthrown by a military coup, again led by Sa-ngad. Following which a military Revolutionary Council takes power.

April 1, 1981: An attempted coup, led by General Sant Chipatima, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army, is suppressed by forces loyal to the government.

Sept 9, 1985: A coup is attempted by Colonel Manoon Roopkachorn; a number of senior officers are later arrested.

Feb 23, 1991: The government of General Chatichai is ousted in a bloodless military coup. Power is assumed by a National Peacekeeping Council, led by General Sunthorn Kongsompong.

Sept 19, 2006: The armed forces take power and dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's caretaker government while Thaksin and several other ministers are overseas. The military revoke the Constitution and promise a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

How many of these coups were preceded by a denial that a coup would happen?

[Noistar]

I hope he passes the test which is thrown at many TV posters - 'sources'.

Can't make sweeping statements without being able to back them up.

Mind you, if there is a coup, he can always re-write history to prove he didn't say it

TIT (again)

[Globeman]

I'm getting the idea that the government ministers of Thailand are all transferable, so intimate knowledge of the area they cover as minister is not required. Anyway, they should know something about coups. Here is a brief history of Thailand's coups -- both successful and not successful.

"Thailand has a past of turbulence and turmoil. It has witnessed at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts even before military forces seized power on September 19, 2006 dismissing Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra’s government. Thailand has experienced this coup after a span of 15 years."

Here is a chronology of some of the military coups and major attempted coups since the Southeast Asian nation became a constitutional monarchy in 1932:

1932: King Prajadhipok is overthrown in a coup d'etat. Armed forces led by three radicals, Pridi Phanomyang, Major Phibun Sangkhram and Colonel Phahon Phonphaywhasena, takes control. Phrayo Manopakorn is appointed Prime Minister.

1933: Manopakorn dissolves the National Assembly and rules by decree, until he is removed in another coup. Phahon, one of the three involved in the 1932 coup, becomes Prime Minister.

1947: Military coup by General Phin Choonhavan deposes the government. Luang Aphai-Wongse is appointed Prime Minister, but is replaced by Phibun the following year.

1951: Phibun leads another military coup and restores the 1932 version of the Constitution.

1957: Following a coup led by General Sarit Thanarat, politician Pote Sarasin is appointed leader of an interim government.

1976: An attempted military coup is defeated in February, but a successful coup in October overthrows Prime Minister Seni Pramoj. Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryoo, previously Minister of Defence, is installed as Chairman of a National Administrative Reform Council.

Oct 20, 1977: The government of Thanom Kravichien, appointed in 1976, is overthrown by a military coup, again led by Sa-ngad. Following which a military Revolutionary Council takes power.

April 1, 1981: An attempted coup, led by General Sant Chipatima, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army, is suppressed by forces loyal to the government.

Sept 9, 1985: A coup is attempted by Colonel Manoon Roopkachorn; a number of senior officers are later arrested.

Feb 23, 1991: The government of General Chatichai is ousted in a bloodless military coup. Power is assumed by a National Peacekeeping Council, led by General Sunthorn Kongsompong.

Sept 19, 2006: The armed forces take power and dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's caretaker government while Thaksin and several other ministers are overseas. The military revoke the Constitution and promise a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

How many of these coups were preceded by a denial that a coup would happen?

We know at least that none of them were prefaced by a confirmation.

[Pib]

Why would I ask an Education Minister about a possible military coup?

Thats like asking and Army General about 3rd grade maths curriculum.

Dumb.

Well, the way they shift key leaders around in the govt every 6 months or so the Army General could be the Education Minister in 6 months (and vice versa).

[unanimosity]

I won't believe it until the sports minister denies it. Isn't coup d'état a national sport?

That would put it under tourism as well, go figure, got to get those upscale tourist coup fans into the count for the yearly stats.

Edited August 6, 2013 by unanimosity

[Payboy]

I won't believe it until the sports minister denies it. Isn't coup d'état a national sport?

That would put it under tourism as well, go figure, got to get those upscale tourist coup fans into the count for the yearly stats.

[klauskunkel]

Education Minister downplays prospects of a coup

...and Defence Minister downplays abysmal state of countries education system

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Why would I ask an Education Minister about a possible military coup?

Thats like asking and Army General about 3rd grade maths curriculum.

Dumb.

I think if you lowered your expectations a bit...and asked perhaps about the SECOND grade math curriculum, then you might end up getting a half-understandable response...

[Robby nz]

Concerning the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Phra Nakhon, Dusit and Pom Prab Sattru Phai districts of Bangkok, Mr. Jaturon revealed that he had constantly discussed the impact of the announcement on schools in the area with Secretary General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) Chinnapat Bhumirat.

He said he has passed down the policy that school headmasters are authorized to decide whether to close the school or not , or to readjust the time table during the duration of the ISA. The headmasters must give priority to the safety and convenience of their students, the minister said.

Mr. Jaturon gave as example that school principals may move their starting time for class from 8 AM to late morning instead. Mr. Jaturon also stressed that if the demonstration escalated, the headmaster could immediately order a temporary closure of the school. Nonetheless, he said, the headmasters of the affected schools should keep their eyes on the latest development of the political rally.

But they promised us the ISA would not affect the public.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Sept 19, 2006: The armed forces take power and dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's caretaker government while Thaksin and several other ministers are overseas. The military revoke the Constitution and promise a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

Shouldn't be too difficult here... Just wait for the next shopping trip. Wouldn't have to wait too long.

[Slip]

Meanwhile the Minister of the Environment and the Minister for Agriculture were (probably) far too busy to comment. Tough break.

[Songhua]

Flash: Doorman at Soi 43 Apartment Complex Denies Likelihood Of a Coup

Announcement supported by three maids and a photocopy assistant

[bigbamboo]

I won't believe it until the sports minister denies it. Isn't coup d'état a national sport?

Thailand does lead the world in the post war coups stakes at nine, one ahead of Bolivia and Syria.

So I guess they should at least know what they're doing.

[Sunderland]

There won't be a coup. Why? Because I said it.

[surangw]

if they are all saying it won't happen, it must be a sure thing it will happen

[tingtongteesood]

More sensationalist CRAP in order to try and skew public perceptions, what the hell has it got to do with him and how exactly are they affecting schools when the demo has been confined to Lumpini Park ? Just because the red thugs ran rampage, it doesn't mean that the current protestors will do likewise. Stop filling the media with this drivel and give us some real news instead of trying to distract and distort with this rubbish !

[whybother]

Given the state of the Thai education system, I wouldn't guarantee that anyone has learnt anything from the past.

[Emptyset]

More sensationalist CRAP in order to try and skew public perceptions, what the hell has it got to do with him and how exactly are they affecting schools when the demo has been confined to Lumpini Park ? Just because the red thugs ran rampage, it doesn't mean that the current protestors will do likewise. Stop filling the media with this drivel and give us some real news instead of trying to distract and distort with this rubbish !

It hasn't been confined to the park. They're going to march on Government House tomorrow. As I said in another thread, I expected Wednesday to be the day when protesters step things up. I'd definitely expect more protesters to arrive. Looks like the Democrats are setting up a seperate camp though. If they don't succeed in getting a decent number of people to show up then I think we can write off the threat to the government for now, but until then...

[kimamey]

Sept 19, 2006: The armed forces take power and dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's caretaker government while Thaksin and several other ministers are overseas. The military revoke the Constitution and promise a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

Shouldn't be too difficult here... Just wait for the next shopping trip. Wouldn't have to wait too long.

Some might say the PM is already out of the country now and he has been for a while.

[Noistar]

Given the state of the Thai education system, I wouldn't guarantee that anyone has learnt anything from the past.

As an aside - what I wouldn't give to see 'History' classes in action.