Prayuth reaffirms Thai army not remaining idle

[webfact]

'Prayuth' reaffirms army not remaining idle

BANGKOK 14 February 2014 (NNT) — Army Chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has reaffirmed that the army is not idle or indifferent to the current political situation — saying if that were the case, the current situation would not have been what it is now.

Gen. Prayuth stated that he was not holding office merely to wait for his retirement day — saying he has been working hard and will be throughout his tenure.

In regard to the police issuing an arrest warrant for an Army Region 9 officer who has been accused of plotting to murder Kwanchai Praipana, the leader of the 'We Love Udon Group', Gen. Prayuth said the warrant was just part of the legal process, and the media should not exaggerate the actual facts of the case.

Gen. Prayuth went on to say that he would not defend his subordinates if they were found guilty — adding that the law must be upheld. He also advised the media to be cautious when reporting the news, as some news pieces may escalate tensions within the already divisive society .


-- NNT 2014-02-14

[webfact]

Army chief: Assailants of pro-govt activist to face legal action
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 14 – The Thai army will cooperate with police in their investigation following the arrest of four army personnel in connection with an attack on a pro-government activist, Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

Police have issued arrest warrants for four army soldiers from the 9th Infantry Division on charges related to the shooting of Kwanchai Praipana, a key leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in Udon Thani province.

He said army judge advocates assigned to handle the case were coordinating with police for the four military personnel to give themselves up.

They will face legal punishment if they are implicated in the attack, he said.

Mr Kwanchai, critically injured in the attack, was hospitalised at Rama IX Hospital in Bangkok after he was transferred from Udon Thani. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-02-14

[Blackmirage2013]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

[Scamper]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

[rreddin]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

This not 2006. There is much going on that is being hidden from publicity. It would appear that the army is divided over those events and their outcome is something that Gen. Prayuth is watching closely. He would not want to be seen to backing the losing side in that power struggle!

[BlueNoseCodger]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

This not 2006. There is much going on that is being hidden from publicity. It would appear that the army is divided over those events and their outcome is something that Gen. Prayuth is watching closely. He would not want to be seen to backing the losing side in that power struggle!

Whether he backs it or not, would his soldiers back it? Armies are soldiers and soldiers are people.

Did you see all those farmers come out and support Suthep today? Nope! Or all the government workers go on strike when he asked for a general strike? Nope. Or the army come and help when he asked? Nope. Or the businesses closing when he asked them to? Nope.

See, he might have a few cronies in a few offices, but ultimately none of those cronies would like to be hated by ordinary Thai people. That's no life to live and they won't sacrifice their life for him. So they'll gently drop back into the shadows and lead their happy lives sans Suthep.

He's done.

Edited February 14, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger

[OMGImInPattaya]

Not standing by idle...what's that mean...getting ready to kill some unarmed demonstrators?

[mrmicbkktxl]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

[MunterHunter]

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

It was in trouble long before 2006...

[chainarong]

General Prayuth along with a few others in the past few days, would be watching the situation develop, any indication of a break down in law and order with no police action the military have the continuity planned out and controls established to ward of a total civil war, goodluck

[max72]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

Really ?

when has the army protected the people since 1932 ?

Maybe in 1976 or in 1992 ?

The army has always protected ITS interest and the elite's interest.

[Baerboxer]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

Why would the army support a government forced to dissolve parliament through being caught repeatedly telling lies and cheating? A regime being probed and about to be charged with corruption at the highest levels?

The courts have ruled that the protests are constitutional. We know PTP don't respect the courts or laws unless they favor them, and don't like any questions or comments against them. But, that's just part of the reason why they are unfit to govern.

Where protesters have broken criminal law, then it's the police's job to arrest them.

Please don't start the bleat that the courts and army are all in with the elites. Or that PTP are innocent and a party of the people.

[unanimosity]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

This not 2006. There is much going on that is being hidden from publicity. It would appear that the army is divided over those events and their outcome is something that Gen. Prayuth is watching closely. He would not want to be seen to backing the losing side in that power struggle!

Aren't you and others over complicating and over analyzing a fundamental situation? The minute troops conduct a coup, U.S. aid, which benefits the army as well, halts.

[tingtongteesood]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

This not 2006. There is much going on that is being hidden from publicity. It would appear that the army is divided over those events and their outcome is something that Gen. Prayuth is watching closely. He would not want to be seen to backing the losing side in that power struggle!

Whether he backs it or not, would his soldiers back it? Armies are soldiers and soldiers are people.

Did you see all those farmers come out and support Suthep today? Nope! Or all the government workers go on strike when he asked for a general strike? Nope. Or the army come and help when he asked? Nope. Or the businesses closing when he asked them to? Nope.

See, he might have a few cronies in a few offices, but ultimately none of those cronies would like to be hated by ordinary Thai people. That's no life to live and they won't sacrifice their life for him. So they'll gently drop back into the shadows and lead their happy lives sans Suthep.

He's done.

In your dreams Taksin lapdog, he is FAR from done.

[tingtongteesood]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

The army is to protect the people, not the corrupt government. And they know how corrupt the caretakers are so they don't want to help them. Right on ! This is not about 'red' and 'yellow', it is about right and wrong and the rule of law. The army must uphold the law - NOT Taksin's or any of his cronies whims.

[Dogmatix]

The army is not remaining idle. Every Wednesday is army sports day and you can see the officer corps on the nation's golf courses being far from idle.

[ShannonT]

Love the Army United photo above. Football team sponsors include CP and King Power, both PDRC financiers.

[fleeing]

I may be naive, but hopefully Prayuth has set a different kind of precedence for military involvement in political developments in Thailand.

Naturally (care)taker government supporters will bemoan the fact that the military, have clearly distanced themselves from the responsibility of policing civilians, but just a month or two ago the same people were crying 'coup' everyday. Just as some PDRC supporters were also trying to claim support from the military, they were equally denied.

I don't think anyone can seriously deny that the military are also corrupt and ripe for reform, but Prayuth has, till now, done well to at least keep tanks off the streets and troops in barracks. Let's hope his successors take note and hold the same line in the future.

[Dogmatix]

It is looking pretty good for Prayuth now. The government has no authority to get involved in the annual reshuffles and has to go cap in hand to the EC to ask for authority. Inevitably the military will be able to do its own reshuffle with minimal interference. That means Prayuth will get a big say in who succeeds him and the other military chiefs retiring in September. It's a case of go past GO and pick up hundreds of millions in golden handshake.

Nothing could be better for him personally than the current stalemate. So why would he want to either help the lame duck caretaker government by cracking down on protestors or help the protestors by staging a coup and either way risk spending his retirement years defending himself in court when he can enjoy that lovely handshake and all the years of procurement commissions in peace?

Edited February 14, 2014 by Dogmatix

[Benmart]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

Really ?

when has the army protected the people since 1932 ?

Maybe in 1976 or in 1992 ?

The army has always protected ITS interest and the elite's interest.

The Army is a large organization, therefore, I can't say that it is or isn't protecting it's and the elite's interests.

The brush of generalizations is often large and polluted with the various stains of bias and conjecture.

[Thai at Heart]

Its terrible. No wars, no battles with Cambodia, no coups.

It's just not what it used to be, huh?

[BlueNoseCodger]

Prayuth still holds the trump card. If the police overplay their hand, the army is there to protect the people. The army has not disappeared from the equation. They are a safety valve. But ultimately, the courts will be the deciders of this administration - on so many grounds that it is easy at this point to lose track.

This not 2006. There is much going on that is being hidden from publicity. It would appear that the army is divided over those events and their outcome is something that Gen. Prayuth is watching closely. He would not want to be seen to backing the losing side in that power struggle!

Whether he backs it or not, would his soldiers back it? Armies are soldiers and soldiers are people.

Did you see all those farmers come out and support Suthep today? Nope! Or all the government workers go on strike when he asked for a general strike? Nope. Or the army come and help when he asked? Nope. Or the businesses closing when he asked them to? Nope.

See, he might have a few cronies in a few offices, but ultimately none of those cronies would like to be hated by ordinary Thai people. That's no life to live and they won't sacrifice their life for him. So they'll gently drop back into the shadows and lead their happy lives sans Suthep.

He's done.

In your dreams Taksin lapdog, he is FAR from done.

The only thing you dispute is if Suthep is done yet? Fair enough, we'll see.

However you didn't dispute any other claim I made:

"Did you see all those farmers come out and support Suthep today? Nope! Or all the government workers go on strike when he asked for a general strike? Nope. Or the army come and help when he asked? Nope. Or the businesses closing when he asked them to? Nope."

Can you even suggest a scenario where Suthep wins? Because everything has only changed for the worse for him. If he could have won, he would have won already.

[timewilltell]

In any society there are millions who disagree with the government in power but they do not go out on the streets in their millions or even hundreds of thousands unless something is very wrong.

Thais are a fairly lazy race, common in warmer countries, and to motivate them to demonstrate like they are now seems to me to indicate that they think there is something very wrong with the government to the extent that it should not be allowed to continue.

In 3rd world political style the government is grimly hanging on and continuing to abuts the processes of democracy time and again, meanwhile Suthep is blocking democratic elections on the basis that they would not really be democratic. Both sides are of course intensely self interested and neither is a solution to Thailand's problems.

The country probably does need a people's council to effect some reform but perhaps it would be impossible to find people sufficiently distanced from one side or other to manage impartial reform for the benefit of the country rather than some group interest.

Oh dear Thailand, if only there were a few more selfless politicians around, in fact a product of their society, then perhaps there would be some alternatives at this crossroads.

It is truly sad to watch the infighting, not because of those involved getting hurt but because of the pain being inflicted on the poorest here like the farmers. It is shameful

[BlueNoseCodger]

In any society there are millions who disagree with the government in power but they do not go out on the streets in their millions or even hundreds of thousands unless something is very wrong.

Thais are a fairly lazy race, common in warmer countries, and to motivate them to demonstrate like they are now seems to me to indicate that they think there is something very wrong with the government to the extent that it should not be allowed to continue.

In 3rd world political style the government is grimly hanging on and continuing to abuts the processes of democracy time and again, meanwhile Suthep is blocking democratic elections on the basis that they would not really be democratic. Both sides are of course intensely self interested and neither is a solution to Thailand's problems.

The country probably does need a people's council to effect some reform but perhaps it would be impossible to find people sufficiently distanced from one side or other to manage impartial reform for the benefit of the country rather than some group interest.

Oh dear Thailand, if only there were a few more selfless politicians around, in fact a product of their society, then perhaps there would be some alternatives at this crossroads.

It is truly sad to watch the infighting, not because of those involved getting hurt but because of the pain being inflicted on the poorest here like the farmers. It is shameful

Millions? No. If they could have got millions, they could have won elections*.

It comes down to the usual problem. The language barrier. So a few elite control the major Thai language media, and very few people get to see outside press. So we get bands of propagandized people at the extremes.

The Bangkok elite, genuinely believe Thailand is close to financial disaster, and never run the numbers themselves. The farmers genuinely believe the Bangkok elite thinks their votes are worthless because the few people who say that garbage are the topic of conversation!

People don't talk about the boring moderate reality, because it isn't a good news story. News flash, borrowing will be a little up this year because the rice price is down and the government rice subsidy has overrun.... Boring! News flash, most people like one man one vote..... Boring! See? The media is at extremes so the people who watch that media are at extremes.

*Security agencies put it at 300k (not Suthep's PDRC mob, the mob before Suthep created the PDRC and announced he wanted his peoples council). I crunched the numbers and thought it was 70-90k.

Edited February 14, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger

[timewilltell]

In any society there are millions who disagree with the government in power but they do not go out on the streets in their millions or even hundreds of thousands unless something is very wrong.

Thais are a fairly lazy race, common in warmer countries, and to motivate them to demonstrate like they are now seems to me to indicate that they think there is something very wrong with the government to the extent that it should not be allowed to continue.

In 3rd world political style the government is grimly hanging on and continuing to abuts the processes of democracy time and again, meanwhile Suthep is blocking democratic elections on the basis that they would not really be democratic. Both sides are of course intensely self interested and neither is a solution to Thailand's problems.

The country probably does need a people's council to effect some reform but perhaps it would be impossible to find people sufficiently distanced from one side or other to manage impartial reform for the benefit of the country rather than some group interest.

Oh dear Thailand, if only there were a few more selfless politicians around, in fact a product of their society, then perhaps there would be some alternatives at this crossroads.

It is truly sad to watch the infighting, not because of those involved getting hurt but because of the pain being inflicted on the poorest here like the farmers. It is shameful

Millions? No. If they could have got millions, they could have won elections*.

It comes down to the usual problem. The language barrier. So a few elite control the major Thai language media, and very few people get to see outside press. So we get bands of propagandized people at the extremes.

The Bangkok elite, genuinely believe Thailand is close to financial disaster, and never run the numbers themselves. The farmers genuinely believe the Bangkok elite thinks their votes are worthless because the few people who say that garbage are the topic of conversation!

People don't talk about the boring moderate reality, because it isn't a good news story. News flash, borrowing will be a little up this year because the rice price is down and the government rice subsidy has overrun.... Boring! News flash, most people like one man one vote..... Boring! See? The media is at extremes so the people who watch that media are at extremes.

*Security agencies put it at 300k (not Suthep's PDRC mob, the mob before Suthep created the PDRC and announced he wanted his peoples council). I crunched the numbers and thought it was 70-90k.

Well we can argue numbers all we like, I think yours are low and you think mine are high, but there are protesters in more than just the rally sites. The fact is there are large numbers of people out on the streets and even the farmers are looking likely to mobiles themselves.

The fact is that large numbers of people against a regime is not the norm and therefore something is very wrong with the regime in place because it should be in place working for the benefit of the whole country regardless of the political affiliation of the area.

The Democrats ignored the poor to a large extent for years and the PTP have been ignoring everywhere except its voter base pretty much. Both parties are now seeing their support undermined.

It is easy to promise shiny trinkets to the very poor to get their vote which is a hinderance to young democracies where education of the people is so poor. That is the policy of the PTP and it is neither sustainable nor does it benefit the country in the long run as the Labour Party in the U K demonstrates. You can only dine so many times with someone else paying before the party paying no longer wants to invite you.

I do agree to some extent with your comments about the media as this is the case in many places in the world but perhaps the less so here because of restrictions on the press generally and the current laws of defamation and to a lesser degree lese majeste which make muting the press an easier job.

Personally I think the PTP have failed Thailand in a huge way and been horribly corrupt with no thought to the future of the country and hugely self interested. The sad thing is that I fear the Democrats are only marginally different though the country does benefit from a thriving business model. Neither is the way forward as they are both devisive and self interested. Thailand needs something better than this.

[mrmicbkktxl]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

Why would the army support a government forced to dissolve parliament through being caught repeatedly telling lies and cheating? A regime being probed and about to be charged with corruption at the highest levels?

The courts have ruled that the protests are constitutional. We know PTP don't respect the courts or laws unless they favor them, and don't like any questions or comments against them. But, that's just part of the reason why they are unfit to govern.

Where protesters have broken criminal law, then it's the police's job to arrest them.

Please don't start the bleat that the courts and army are all in with the elites. Or that PTP are innocent and a party of the people.

In most countries the army listen to government,not the government to the army,but here the army is a state in a state,they do what they want to do.The courts are biased.The protesters broke the law by storming government offices,by disturbing people who want to go work,by beating up policemen etc..By the way the term "regime" applies to any government that is most of the time not democratically elected and imposes strict and often arbitrary rules and laws.Hmm I remember The abisit government was not democraticly elected.The police in Thailand is the "Royal Thai police" Most thais know who also supports suthep,but can't talk about it,and the police can't do anything without getting in trouble

[mrmicbkktxl]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

The army is to protect the people, not the corrupt government. And they know how corrupt the caretakers are so they don't want to help them. Right on ! This is not about 'red' and 'yellow', it is about right and wrong and the rule of law. The army must uphold the law - NOT Taksin's or any of his cronies whims.

Yes correct and u r wrong,I just imagine the USA or German army or UK army would act like that.Hard to believe the army is telling Mr.Obama or Mrs Merkel what to do.In most western countries the army listen to the government,and not oppsite.But this is one of the problems why Thailand can't find inner peace.

[Baerboxer]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

Why would the army support a government forced to dissolve parliament through being caught repeatedly telling lies and cheating? A regime being probed and about to be charged with corruption at the highest levels?

The courts have ruled that the protests are constitutional. We know PTP don't respect the courts or laws unless they favor them, and don't like any questions or comments against them. But, that's just part of the reason why they are unfit to govern.

Where protesters have broken criminal law, then it's the police's job to arrest them.

Please don't start the bleat that the courts and army are all in with the elites. Or that PTP are innocent and a party of the people.

In most countries the army listen to government,not the government to the army,but here the army is a state in a state,they do what they want to do.The courts are biased.The protesters broke the law by storming government offices,by disturbing people who want to go work,by beating up policemen etc..By the way the term "regime" applies to any government that is most of the time not democratically elected and imposes strict and often arbitrary rules and laws.Hmm I remember The abisit government was not democraticly elected.The police in Thailand is the "Royal Thai police" Most thais know who also supports suthep,but can't talk about it,and the police can't do anything without getting in trouble

I did suggest, that as in most countries the job of law enforcement rests with the police. The Royal Thai Police are indeed charged with the duty of enforcing the law in Thailand, not the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Air Force or Royal Thai Navy.

By the way, the word regime can be applied to organizations that chose to operate outside the law, such as criminal regimes or organizations such as prison regimes which are part of law enforcement and the establishment. The word is not derogatory if that was your suggestion.

Do you have proof the courts are biased? Or do you only believe that if they rule against your particular view?

A government that is democratically elected must continue to respect the laws appropriate parliamentary procedures. There are mechanisms which have to be followed in any country in order for the government of the day to amend existing laws or introduce new ones. The people's mandate, especially when based on the largest minority vote, is not a mandate to do as you like without accountability.

[Baerboxer]

I gotta say, I am in Prayuth's corner..... he has remained relatively calm... his "boss" has put him in an awful position.

What would you do?

Everyone has good and bad in them.... but given the situation and all the crap hurling around.... I give Prayuth high marks for staying calm and not acting like a horse's ass like you know who!!!!!!

What's the good thing about the army?The whole situation is because of the army.Since 2006 Thailand is in trouble.And now instead of helping or supporting the government they just sit there and do nothing.Suthep is not done yet because Army supports him.Who needs an army like that?

The army is to protect the people, not the corrupt government. And they know how corrupt the caretakers are so they don't want to help them. Right on ! This is not about 'red' and 'yellow', it is about right and wrong and the rule of law. The army must uphold the law - NOT Taksin's or any of his cronies whims.

Yes correct and u r wrong,I just imagine the USA or German army or UK army would act like that.Hard to believe the army is telling Mr.Obama or Mrs Merkel what to do.In most western countries the army listen to the government,and not oppsite.But this is one of the problems why Thailand can't find inner peace.

Yes - in an ideal world you are absolutely correct. But, its a feature of many new democracies that the military act as the check and balance to elected governments that don't obey the law or govern as they should,

I don't suggest that's right or the way forward. You may be right, that this is one of the reasons Thailand can't find inner peace. Another could be that law and order needs to be enforced fairly and without favor, equally, to all members of society. Justice should not favor the wealthy nor allow them to escape punishment. Investigations should be carried out against any law breaker, not just those opposing whichever party happens to be in government,

[HD 205]

The difference in attitude from the army between yellow and red is clear.

How many people were killed before the military tried to disperse the red crowds in 2010?

How many people have been killed this year without the military moving in (while sometimes standing and watching guy's shooting at people)?