Army commander Apirat Komsongpomg comes with a remarkable statement in the Bangkok Post. He wonders if the people of Thailand want a civil war?
According to Apirat, one should fight in parliament and not in the streets. Furthermore, he warns anyone who tries to change the constitutional monarchy and divide the people. This, he said, could lead to a civil war.
These remarkable statements come a day after Prime Minister Prayut already expressed concern about fake news being spread on social media by opponents of the regime.
Army Chief Apirat said yesterday during the commemoration of the establishment of the 1st Division King's Guard, 112 years ago, that politicians, teachers and students must obey and not try to change the country's constitutional monarchy:
“Those who have studied democracy abroad and read textbooks from other countries should think about how to adapt instead of trying to change the constitutional monarchy. Don't just try to introduce the leftist policies you've learned.”
“To the students, teachers and officials who studied abroad, some of whom received scholarships from the palace, I want to emphasize that no matter what democracy you have studied, democracy has often been adapted to different cultures around the world. There are many forms of democracy worldwide.”
Apirat warned that stirring up trouble will only lead to trouble:
“Stop dividing. You are trying to divide the country into a 'democratic' and 'dictatorial' camp. Such rhetoric is dangerous.”
The army commander denied that the NCPO is dictatorial, because then we would have copied the actions of dictators in other countries.
Apirat concluded his speech by saying that he prefers not to get involved in social developments and that he will stop expressing his views after the coronation. political views.
Source: Bangkok Post
I have to laugh a little at the story because:
1. it is the story of a soldier who knows that he is surrounded on almost all sides and will soon (9 May) have to surrender. If yesterday's news is true that the Democrats may also join the new coalition (I wouldn't be surprised) the encirclement is complete;
2. barking dogs don't bite. It's a bit like Geert Wilders who keeps shouting about the horrors of Islam but also knows that he will never win the battle;
3. the army is divided and is not as one man behind Apirat and he knows it;
4. the choice of scapegoat is a very unfortunate one. Students and teachers did not go abroad to learn about another democracy, but to develop into independent academic thinkers and then, upon their return to their home country, help this country further. In that foreign country, people have of course experienced what it is like to live in a different kind of democracy, some even in a different kind of kingdom, or better also in a constitutional monarchy, but then a bit different from Thailand. And most liked it better than here. However, most of them paid for their studies themselves (or their wealthy parents). He should have chosen the Muslims in the south as scapegoats or all foreign expats. In the latter case Thailandblog would flourish like never before;
5. All but a few of my Thai colleagues abroad have completed their MBA or PhD. And except for a few, they are not all politically active and vote Democrats and certainly not for Suthep. Suthep is the hinterland of Apirat: about 5% of the population.
He also said this:
Gen Apirat said the armed forces were free from politics and were professional. They adhered to the duty to protect the nation, religions and the monarch and followed the instructions of His Majesty the King, he said.
But he can be careful. His wife Dr. Kritika Kongsomphong studied in the United States!
The question remains, of course, who is actually causing division in Thailand.
His words mean that the army will no longer interfere in politics. He is apparently a fan of the FFP. Glad to read that. And the k. will never give instructions to stage a coup, that much is certain.
This man shows once again that this country needs a broad coalition government based on a broad parliamentary elected majority, which will send this general and his colleagues back to their barracks asap.
That man is not very well, he clearly cannot deal with democracy or even dissent from people who think differently from him. We had better laugh at the fact that men like this cause polarization and division themselves.
For example, Supreme Commander General Apirat said “We are Thai and this is Thai democracy. You have to adapt what you have learned to fit within our country,” he said. “Thai democracy is the notion of Thais love Thais, and we are united.”. That's just funny, isn't it? 🙂
His statements seem to be aimed at Anakot Mai (FFW) members such as Piyabutr, who is being dismissed as a threat to the monarchy. More reports surfaced this week that the powers that be are trying to put this party away as a threat with their left-wing ideas that would undermine the unity of the country (country, religion, king)…
Party leader Thanthorn also has an NCPO indictment on his pants.
Pheu Thai and Anakot Mai therefore prefer not to see these generals and other 'good people' in power. It remains to be seen how the distribution of seats will turn out. It now appears that the Electoral Council still has to determine which formula to use. It is logical that after the elections and after the counting of the votes you will talk about what the distribution key actually is! That can cost Anakot Mai a lot of seats in particular.
And there is always the chance of yellow, orange, red and black cards to eliminate candidates.
It is therefore clear that Phalang has formed the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Prayut. We'll just have to wait and see, but there are signs that the 'democracy coalition' will be checked.
See ao:
– “Army chief's comments a threat to democracy: scholars”
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30367023
– “Thanathorn baffled by edition warrant”
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30367065
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http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/04/03/army-chief-sends-warning-to-critics-of-the-monarchy/
- http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/04/03/future-forward-leader-hit-with-sedition-charge/
- https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1655464/small-parties-eligible-for-party-list-seats
– “ECT penalties and how they could affect the election results”
https://prachatai.com/english/node/8006
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Here's a nice cartoon starring Apirat, the sign reads “Graduated Abroad” (tjòp pàrinyaa muangnôk):
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1508108259319101&id=1097935803669684
Army commander Apirat is quite right. The Thai is not yet ready to lead the country. There is still hidden envy and hatred between red and yellow.
I would rather choose a safe Thailand than a place that leads to the abyss because of hotheads.
It doesn't matter who is in power, as long as there is no bloodshed like in the past.
Many here are married to a Thai woman who likes to wear a certain political color. They want to defend it through thick and thin. Foreigners who are not wealthy do not belong, a dispirited political leader once said. then you know what kind of viper lurks under his turf.
To those who envy it, but also a large part of the Thai population prefers a safe Thailand.
I hear that myself from the Thai. because in their eyes not much will change anyway, because everything is ultimately about power, and money of course.
And who are those hotheads? General Prayut and his various anger outbursts (throwing things at journalist, joking that he can kill journalists, swearing): https://www.thailandblog.nl/achtergrond/de-strijd-om-democratie-in-thailand-sinds-premier-thaksin-slot/#comment-546826
General Apirat can also do something about it: shooting a gun at the demonstrators (red gear, animals, so you can kill them): https://mobile.twitter.com/JBuchananBKK/status/1035932058638475264
There are also images of Deputy Prime Minister and man of many watches, General Prawit, that he has been stepped on his toes by media questions.
These men can't take criticism and anyone who doesn't follow their lead is wrong. Yellow is right, red is wrong. That's how they think, they're part of the problem. A problem that was/will be deliberately provoked by some (take Suthep, another angry temper frog).
For readers with a Thai woman (or man): talking together about politics in both countries seems fine to me. Your partner doesn't parrot. There are enough articles and book reviews on this blog so that you can form your own opinion. I could always talk to my wife about Thai and Dutch politics and society, although we were not exactly on the same page. Of course that also made it more fun because ewn 'yes honey you're totally gwlijk' is so boring. Are you done talking quickly. 1
But I do recognize the pessimism. Many Thai people want things differently, feel they are not heard, the elite oppresses the citizens, lack of participation and democracy, equal treatment and so on. But the dinosaurs defend this tooth and nail so most I speak don't expect big changes.
You have no idea of the Thai mentality. You think and compare too much Dutch.
Dear Theo, I would like to know what the Thai and Dutch mentality is. After years of talking and dealing with Thai family, friends and various media, I thought I had a good picture of Thailand, but I am always open to new insights. 🙂 If it doesn't fit in a comment maybe as a submitted piece?
I have always lived and still live among Thais. From November 1976. Have no contact with Dutch people, never had. The only farang I see once a year is a Belgian, old acquaintance. From your comments on this blog I gather that you would like it to be the same in Thailand as in the Netherlands. Can't and won't happen. The ordinary Thai will care who is Prime Minister as long as there is and remains peace in the country what the army, alone, provides. Oh what, nevermind.
No country is the same, but the basic wishes of people often are. First priority is work, food, safe place to sleep/live. But soon after that come basic rights such as no exploitation, participation, arranging things fairly together with the group, fair justice. Then you quickly end up with democracy.
The Thai have also revolted for this several times. You can't have missed that if you've lived here for so long and avoid foreigners. Think 1932, 1973, 1976, 1992, this century. I don't know if you like lezrn, but recommended readings include works by Nostitz , Federico Ferrara, Andrew McGregor, Pavin Chachavalpongpun etc.
And there's nothing wrong with a difference of opinion, but if you don't want to talk and to avoid chatting, I'll just keep my mouth shut now. But I remain curious about other opinions and arguments.
It's a little different…
https://timeforchange.org/needs-of-humankind-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs
Maslow's pyramid will be familiar to the frequent blog readers. I'm pretty good at that. Gives a much better explanation than 'the Thai are different from the Dutch, you really can't change their mentality, don't try that meddlesome farang'.
Foreigners who are not wealthy do not belong in Thailand was a speech in Cambodia by
mister thaksin ? My daughter - in - law is Cambodian and followed that speech .
To regret those who envy the thai people prefer a safe Thailand is true when you see what is under the
people are told they don't talk about democracy because they don't even know what it means.
Even in my home country, Belgium, that doesn't really exist, it's just politicians elected by a group that op
stay in the background with mass capital calling the shots and that is the same in Thailand?
What Thailand desperately needs is a fresh new political wind, with new qualified characters and ideas on the political and national administrative front.
And not again all those dressed in white suits with flat caps and adorned with medals and other sorts of decorations, appearing to be admirals of the Seventh Fleet.
Maybe then the Taksin syndrome will finally disappear.
But as long as the puppet game just starts all over again, it will never work here in Thailand.
The common people and the educated youth sometimes want to see something different.
Jan Beute.
Thais are terribly stupid. No Thai understands what democracy is. They have to be led with a heavy hand by an intelligent, nice man like army commander Apirat. Peace and order are much more important than justice, control, freedom and a decent existence. We should also have in Belgium and the Netherlands.
General Apirat sounds a bit softer in English:
– people please keep calm
– there will be no coup
– if street protests break out again, the police will intervene, not the army.
– the people with education understand it, farmers and poor people do not understand what is happening/playing.
Source:
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/thai-army-chief-urges-public-to-respect-the-result-of-election/10965304
My experience is that after every coup there is a period of calm. As soon as elections have been held and there is a civilian government, the thunder will start all over again.
Then you obviously haven't been here very long. in 1992 the coup led to a serious confrontation with dozens of victims. Red & yellow did not exist then, but there was a large group of Thais who wanted an end to that circle of coups.
The so-called protests in 2006 and 2014 were staged by a small group of the ultra-rich to force a coup. The thunder always starts because a small but very wealthy group has no grip on elections where the much large but less wealthy group of “stupid people” choose their preferred representatives. Unlike the top officials (including the general) who have this small wealthy group in their pockets and operate to their advantage.
The leaders of the FFP are now under intense pressure with vague charges. If that leads to imprisonment or even disbanding of the party, then the end is lost. Nearly 7 million voters will not accept that and I see a real – not staged – mass demonstration emerging. Perhaps a repeat of the 70s and 90s. Let's hope the current rulers use their brains.
I personally cannot judge the coup of 2006 because I entered this country in June 2006 and was confronted with it a few months later. I've only seen a tank on my street in the early morning.
I can judge the coup of 2014 because I experienced it very closely, in front of and behind the scenes. And I can assure you that those 2013 and 2014 protests were NOT staged by a small group of the rich. It also strikes me as curious if you realize that on the day of the coup, all politically involved in the impasse after Prayut's announcement that he took power (because they were not willing to compromise), from the meeting location in Viphavadi Rangsit Road with a transported to court to hear all pending charges. In 2013 and 2014, the gentlemen supposedly never had time for that, including Suthep, Buddha Issara and the leaders of the airport occupation, often seen as the representatives of the small group of the rich. If these gentlemen had known in the morning that they would end up in court a few hours later, they would very likely have called in sick for the meeting.
Dear Chris,
I can assure you that the PDRC protests, which ended in the coup in 2014, were indeed staged behind the scenes with the ultimate aim of putting the shining horse general in order.
How do I know? Because I was the only foreigner to attend several meetings with the behind-the-scenes financiers of the protests (which cost as much as 2 million baht a day) to go over the strategy.
The small group of the ultra rich can no longer afford a direct coup these days, because the risk of boycott was too great in the west & Japan, countries in which they have invested heavily in the last 10-15 years. A white knight to save the country from a “certain” civil war was not accepted by the West either, but it did not lead to significant economic boycotts. So it had to look like a starting civil war, although in fact only 1 party was waging "war".
The aim was therefore to create an unsustainable situation for the incumbent government. You will remember that the PDRC started protesting against the amnesty. When the government withdrew that, another turn had to be taken to create an unsustainable situation.
That was then the resignation. But even after that resignation (dissolving parliament and calling new elections), the protests did not stop. Again a new turn, namely first so-called regorm and only then elections.
The rubber farmers in the south (Suthep & Thavorn country) were called to flatten the south because they supposedly wanted a price of 120 baht/kg. The price was then 80 baht / kg, which did not cover the costs. For comparison, the price is now below 30 baht / kg and people are asking 40. So politically mean game.
To put on stage means to act out in good Dutch, or 'not really, 'theatre'.
That was absolutely not the case with the 2014 protests. Not only the 'rich' and 'protesters paid by the rich' took to the streets, but also many employees of universities who did not receive 500 Baht a day (first reforms, then elections) and at the end also the farmers, who were not paid for their rice. No drama because some farmers committed suicide.
That financiers had intentions with it is of course as clear as a lump. But there was much more than just an amnesty issue at play.
Moderator: Please don't chat.
Oh Chris, you may fall for what the dictionary thinks that staging means. That is irrelevant in this context.
Of course I am not talking about the ordinary citizens, whatever their background, who were dragged (with or without compensation) into a sinister game by a small group by the populist leaders such as Suthep & co (and Sonthi & co formerly) financiers in the background. Thailand has a "Deep State or Dark State" where secret relationships & alliances are formed and decisions are made that remain hidden from the rest of the population.
https://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/thailand-military-deep-state/
Thanks for the link Tino, here is a nice description of what was made clear to me a few years ago by someone who understood very well how the hares run in Thailand. And the fear the former king had about his successor…
Why not just call it what it is: Thai mafia?
From 1976, long enough? Experienced countless coups.
The thunder starts again, as soon as the army goes back into the barracks.
If that army stayed there, the thunder would redistribute rich and poor, and then the thunder would cease on its own.
Those uprisings have also taken place in Europe in the past, and they have also been violently crushed for a long time.