Let me start by saying that throughout Thailand's history, the military, and the police, have played an important role both at the government level and in society as a whole. But it has been increasingly the case over the last decade, with an even greater increase in the last three years.
At the government level, we see that almost half of the parliament, the council for reforms and the team of ministers consists of military personnel. Another, smaller part, are police officers.
For a year now, the military has been allowed to perform all police functions, often without a court being involved. People who are arrested regularly disappear incommunicado for a week in a military camp. Many suspects are tried before a court-martial, originally intended only for military suspects.
Military personnel are appointed in many so-called independent institutions, such as the Electoral Council, Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman.
The budget for the armed forces has doubled in the past decade, while all government spending together has increased by only 50 percent. How the military spend their budget is not public and cannot be examined by parliament, but it has always been that way.
Almost all Boards of Directors of many state-owned companies have military personnel, usually two. Thai Airways and Airport of Thaland have 6 military members on the Board of Directors (prachatai.org/english/node/7267)
In addition to each governor of Thailand's 77 provinces, a military officer has been appointed to monitor policy.
The ISOC, Internal Security Operations Command, is a unit of the Armed Forces responsible for maintaining 'internal national security'. But they are increasingly fulfilling civic functions such as organizing meetings to draw up a social contract for 'national reconciliation'. In addition, they often participate in all kinds of police actions such as reclaiming occupied land and traffic checkpoints (www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30320934)
Military values such as discipline, unity, obedience and nationalism are widely promoted, and soldiers sometimes teach in schools. On Children's Day, children are allowed to play with weapons.
More than half of images in news reports in the Thai-language press show military and police.
Officials are forced to participate in military training camps (www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30316445)
Maybe there are more examples.
I think Thailand is fast becoming a militarized society, if not already.
What do you think? Do you agree or not with the statement? And if so, what do you think will be the short- and long-term consequences?
Discuss the statement: 'Thailand is fast becoming a militarized society!'
About this blogger
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Born in 1944 in Delfzijl as the son of a simple shopkeeper. Studied in Groningen and Curacao. Worked as a doctor in Tanzania for three years, then as a general practitioner in Vlaardingen. A few years before my retirement I married a Thai lady, we had a son who speaks three languages well.
Lived in Thailand for almost 20 years, first in Chiang Kham (Phayao province) then in Chiang Mai where I liked to bother all kinds of Thai with all kinds of questions. Followed Thai extracurricular education after which a diploma of primary school and three years of secondary school. Did a lot of volunteer work. Interested in the Thai language, history and culture. Have been living in the Netherlands for 5 years now together with my son and often with his Thai girlfriend.
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Soldiers belong in a barracks and should not be part of social life. The fact that the military in Thailand is usurping this role has to do with the dysfunction of the country's thoroughly corrupt police and administration. Because the police and administrators are incompetent, the military steps in to prevent the country from falling into total chaos. So I understand.
But most tourists and expats have little problem with corruption, they only care if beach chairs are not allowed on the beach. Incidentally, also an idea from the sleeve of the military.
The question is, of course, whether the military is less corrupt.
They spend a little less time with the sources of money in society than the others, but I fear that it will just become another, extra, blackhead, skimming the economy.
The problem of soldiers in the barracks and not in the middle of society can be guessed, I think.
This certainly applies to a professional army and to a lesser extent to a conscript army.
It seems to me that the militarization of ordinary life is not too bad, at least not much has changed in schools.
Of course there are some things going on that also affect my eyebrows.
But those movements have also been there for the past three years.
It is understandable that the military, with a base of supporters at government level, will try to push through their desires.
Especially given the misery in the south, the tensions on the eastern and western borders and the sometimes hopeless aging of the equipment.
It is interesting, and I do not know, what percentage of the budget is allocated to the military.
But, and this is the most important point for me, the complete chaos in many areas in Thailand and the threat of civil war left the military little choice.
Partly in view of the role attributed to them in the country.
Is that good?
No of course not.
But it is certain that the country will see many things happen again that have been necessary for years, but simply did not happen due to the power games of various parties and the nauseating self-enrichment.
But, as far as democracy is concerned, can our Dutch still be called democratic?
The backroom stuff, the denial of 1,5 million, the power cartel of failed parties with the whole under the direction of an unelected, undemocratic EU?
Don't know which is better or worse yet. To
Corruption occurs all over the world, but in Thailand it is the norm. And in the meantime it has already sickened society to such an extent that the country has not made any progress for years. Corruption is destructive and can never be justified.
Most tourists will not get much from the Junta. They do not follow the news, as long as they have their wet and dry, they will not notice much and have little trouble with the Thai government (Junta). You read every now and then grumbling about the absence of beach chairs 1x a week and that's about it.
The less integrated retiree can very well reason similarly. As long as he can go to the bar, beach and restaurant, he will not complain easily. These people live in a 'farang bubble'. The pensioner who interacts more with Thai will often receive grumbling from Thai family, friends, neighbors etc (and what views do those people have? pro red or yellow, anti red or yellow, anti both?). This can be from small everyday things to major concerns about the future of the country. Among these pensioners you will receive more variation from 'it's not too bad, the Junta means well' to 'this beautiful country is sinking deeper and deeper into the…'.
The expat depends on whether they also live in a bubble (only work for a few years and mainly have Western colleagues and friends) or whether they are more involved (integrated). If the expat or migrant worker is critical, I would consider that if the economy deteriorates, this can also affect their own job. Otherwise similar to the previous paragraph.
Among my own Thai friends (some are 'yellow', others 'red', but also a lot who have had it with both) I often hear grumbling or (despondent? anxious?) silence. So little enthusiasm. Are mainly 20-30-ers from the middle class BKK and Khon Kaen etc.
“The soldiers had to put things in order because things were getting out of hand”?
The “threatening to get out of hand” was a design, so that the military could intervene as “white knights”. the risk of a real boycott by Western countries in the event of a coup without a “reason” is nowadays too great an economic risk. So first create a situation in which a military intervention was not welcomed, but largely tolerated. In short, the PDRC was playing towards a coup d'état. That was the goal. The red shirts didn't understand that at first, and failed because they didn't hint at a military intervention. Now that is also clear to them.
The Thai don't care whether they are governed by an elected parliament or by the military
I have now experienced two military coups in Thailand and when I point this out to my Thai friends they shrug their shoulders and laugh it off ……
She doesn't give a damn, it turned out to me
A far from my bed show I would say because the problem is being fought in Bangkok anyway and life goes on for them.
The ordinary Thai (Isan) does not give a silly nut (sorry) who rules and I personally think that Thailand is in calm waters with the military at the head and have got a taste for it, so the coming years will simply be ruled by the military.
Whoever has power will not relinquish it no matter how much the population would like it.
Thailand is ruled by Thai Chinese and the real Thai (Isan) are on the sidelines.
The military has now got the hang of it and when the time approaches when they will call elections for next year, they will again find an excuse to postpone it again.
Obama made it a point that the military should so quickly restore power to the democratically elected parliament and call elections so quickly…..
Do you hear Trump say that too…
Didn't think so… he honors the coup by inviting the head of state….
Groet
TonyM
forgive me if I have to correct, but according to the Thai there are no Thai people living in isan, but Lao and Khmer, they don't even speak standard Thai.
Unfortunately, this year I also experienced that the army has more influence on the lives of children.
My daughter only has 4 days of school left at the beginning of the month.
of the 15 first year classes, 1 class is all boys and they receive military training.
The other 14 classes therefore get 1 day off a week.
Means that the lesson time is simply reduced by 20% and then complain about bad results.
But there is no Thai who will open his mouth about this.
that military training is not mandatory.
I can add one more very important feature.
Maj Gen Chalongrat Nakartit is the director of the Government Lottery Office, the office that regulates the state lottery. Guess why this feature is so important….
I was told by my wife that an investigation is underway in Thailand into how it is possible that the winner of the grand prize (180 million baht) had 30 tickets with the winning number. Those lots are supposed to be distributed throughout the country, but one person owned them.
Not so hard. More and more bundles of 2,3, 5 or 100 lots with the same number are being offered. These cost per lot 30.000.000 baht or more, it is not illegal. Two weeks ago someone not far from my village had 5 baht (180.000.000 lots). Six of these bundles gives XNUMX bath.
Also in the Netherlands there are many lottery tickets with the same number. With a different serial number just like here. So it is not typical Thai.
The Thai population consists of many ranks. Soldiers, police officers, bank employees, self-employed farmers, etc., etc. Each individual has his own way of doing things, prompted by an upbringing that is not in line with Western values. Within all those ranks, there are people who are corrupt and make a mess. There will always be something to complain about, especially by us Westerners. Most Thais don't mind. Have to deal with survival in the jungle every day. The news goes in one ear and out the other. Mai pen arai. Hear see and speak no evil is best, for it is none of our business is what I often hear. It has always been and always will be a nation of warriors and hot-tempered people. In this context, the army is therefore a good solution for many Thai people. I would have preferred to see it differently, but it is an illusion to think that I will experience this for the time being. No one can see (far) into the future and there is always hope. That there are people who use or abuse everything that presents itself (corruption) is the order of the day and that the rich are in charge is an established fact. I don't see this changing any time soon, other than the people revolting, but also many of the people are corrupt on every level.
Education, upbringing, is lacking at the level where Western values prevail. You only see good examples among doctors who have studied abroad. In short, many do not know any better and do not want to know any better. We'll have to deal with that.
Agree with the statement, but don't see it as an additional problem for Thailand. Unfortunately, the national government and parliament have shown many times that they are completely incapable of governing Thailand adequately. That the army has therefore frequently intervened in the history of Thailand is therefore somewhat easier to understand. Without an army command, this country could end up in a civil war. So the Thai people get what they deserve, tight military leadership. They can't do without that. And don't forget: this is Thailand, so not comparable with, for example, Dutch / European situations.
Very true Leo, because if the military had not intervened in time, we would undoubtedly have ended up in a civil war. Now to put things in order with a group of economic advisers and a tough approach to corruption, then we are finally on the right track.
Totally agree, Tina! You are right in stating the facts. For me, this development is also one of the reasons to exchange this country for a Mediterranean destination in the foreseeable future. Here we should even be afraid to like your post, we could be arrested for it, as happened before because of a like on Facebook from Thais who agreed with someone who criticized the military.
Well, a little more discipline in society is not a bad thing. This will possibly also have a positive influence on the behavior of the Thais in due course. School is an essential part of teaching students discipline, insight, planning, etc. All these components are often largely lacking.
A government or board of directors should not have military personnel, but democratically elected citizens.
The fact that Thailand has such a military structure is the main reason why the economy is running so badly here. These people understand and are trained in military thinking, and they rule the country based on that knowledge. The police are thoroughly corrupt, just like the former politicians, so they felt compelled to intervene, but it has been taking too long now. Free elections as soon as possible is best for the country and its citizens.
Postponing elections as long as possible is the best thing for Thailand. The so-called democratically elected government is once again completely useless. And in no time we are back in the red shirts – yellow shirts war. Don't wait for anyone, at least not me. Asia (Thailand) is not Europe. Look around you in Asia. You will not find a “democracy” as we know it in Europe anywhere.
And the “democracy” in Europe is also nothing like it. So, do we want to tell the Thai how to do it? Do not make me laugh.
Indeed Leo, democracy does not work in Thailand. A military structure where civilians are obliged to adhere to discipline works better and is safer for the country. Better than bloodshed and splitting the country. By the way, what the Thai are now complaining about is that they supposedly want or demand elections to take over power. the military are their mirror image. as long as there are no pure intentions to run the country, the military will continue to exercise power. I have been living in Thailand for 22 years now, deal with the Thai people on a daily basis, it seems that they are accepting it. as long as they have fun and entertainment it's fine. there are of course a group of intellectuals who think they know better, but come up with no plan to improve the standard of living of the thai. As Buddhists she should know, everything has a cause and effect.
Marino, that an elected government of Thailand thinks above all and self-interest is clear. However, that the military "take over" power for that reason is a myth. The role of the military in this country is really different from what you reflect.
What improvement in the standard of living of the population has the army really achieved; not the vague plans and promises?
well,
My daughter attends “high” school and there they have military training on Wednesdays from class 4 (so the first year, 1/3 is high school) and she really likes it. she is even convinced that she also wants to join the military staff when she grows up. I don't mind if she wants it herself. I also said; that the higher you enter the army, the higher position you get (including salary)
Since a year and a half now, her school results have clearly improved, as she has set her sights on a master's degree and then on to the higher military academy. We'll see, but it's going in that direction.
Personally, I think (if it works out) she has a great future in Thailand, because just as Tino writes, more and more public positions are coming for military.
I have no idea what the salary is for someone with a master's degree and higher military school, but I think enough to live (royally) on. If anyone knows the salary, please let me know.
Greetings Gerrit
Agree with the statement, but the coup did prevent daily casualties.
The political parties, when they were in power, often mismanaged and rudely filled their pockets. an exception is the last administration of the Democrats. and former Prime Minister Leekpay.
That Tkasin was deposed was normal. Chosen by vote buying and well filled pockets. The convicted felon is in Dubai. his sister has made a mess of things, and has mainly been concerned with changing the law so that Taksin can return as a free man.
I do think that if the politicians make a mess of it, the army should intervene to prevent major problems. This is for a certain time.
The facts are what they are: the military is in control. in the long run, this will encourage abuse of power and corruption, since there are no independent critics who can denounce and correct abuses.
Every military dictatorship will eventually collapse, but in the meantime Thai society will fall far behind.
No doubts for me either.
That the military are in charge in Thailand, that's right like a bus Tino. That their influence trickles throughout society, as you describe it. But the big question is of course, how do the average Thai population experience this and we as foreign guests in Thailand.
I as Farang, who have been in Thailand for about ten years now, experience the military intervention at least as a period of peace, after everything I could see in this country in the last ten years. I could adopt Jaques' comment above in its entirety to describe the current reality. Khun Peter's reaction, whereby the military must do what they must do if necessary and must not get involved in civilian affairs outside the barracks, is of course correct.
I can't look into the average soul of the average Thai, but no human being makes a gesture in the face of unrest and uncertainty, neither a Thai nor a Westerner.
After this observation and in a sense also from others on this blog regarding this fact, the question arises how to proceed in the near future, which could be a question for a few blogs later.
Open your eyes and look.
And if you haven't seen it by now… are you blind or whole….
A picture says more than a thousand words:
https://www.facebook.com/cartooneggcat/photos/a.136226233446771.1073741828.136187606783967/360123954390330/?type=3&theater
and for example also:
https://www.facebook.com/cartooneggcat/photos/a.136226233446771.1073741828.136187606783967/367081090361283/?type=3&theater
Soldiers belong in the barracks. They are not comfortable with that now and soldiers are not exactly known for their insight into other policy areas. The various toys do not help, of course, even if we assume that it was in dire need of replacement. Calling for people for re-education/conversations (they recently came up with a different name for that I thought I read on KhaoSod English?), temporary blockages on Youtube movies* etc. still gives the idea of tentacles that reach further and further and the country hold more and more. History shows that this does not benefit the population.
* see http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1274938/great-dictator-off-limits
I completely forget the latest youtube hit that mocks the regime with a wink: a boy has to abide by 44 rules imposed on him by his demanding sweetheart:
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/culture/net/2017/07/12/music-video-parodies-junta-demanding-relationship-photos/
Movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmKLxsnASI8&feature=player_embedded
As long as the cartoons and (music) films like these are not (without a chance) blocked, the country is not yet completely lost, but will these creative people continue to get away with this?
From 1932 to the present, 25 of the 29 governments have had generals or former generals as prime ministers. So what is happening now is not unusual, and most likely the next PM will be an old general again. And that's a good thing, because the army is the only stable factor in Thailand, and also the only ones who can pull something off, because they are above regional and ethnic self-interest. By the way, most of the population thinks she does a good job.
That's not true, Henry. From 1932 to the present there have been 37 Prime Ministers, of which 8 have been military. Some had multiple reigns. It is true that the military prime ministers ruled longer: about half that time. Four military men were responsible for most of those military reigns: Plaek Phibunsongkhraam, Sarit Thanarat, Thanom Kittichachorn and Prem Tinsulanonda.
That the army has always been a stable factor in Thai history is also not true: two bloody popular uprisings ended the reign of the military Thanom and Suchinda, resp. 1973 and 1992. they had made a mess of it.
Can't we talk about self-interest?
This week I also read that Thailand is a very large buyer of war material, and that was not even about those submarines.
Unfortunately I can't find the article 1,2,3, but it involved considerable amounts that gave a 3rd place in the world ranking.
Can you imagine, a significant percentage of the population lives below the poverty line, but there is money for that, tons of money even.
I am not at all in favor of a military regime, but we cannot deny that the problems between red and yellow are kept reasonably under control.
What will happen when a civilian government returns, that is the big question.
You should do some reading up before commenting like this. A hefty sum has been withdrawn to buy military vehicles. The old ones are over 40 years old and that is why open vehicles are now widely used in the south.
Would you want to be in that if at any moment a bomb could explode along the road with you as a possible victim?
What to do now ? Pay attention and always ensure that important matters (private papers, etc.) have a permanent place, why? It's time to pack up and go!!! . Military rule always goes wrong in the longer term !!
Sjors… I'm already packing a bit every day, and fortunately I don't have many private papers, only my passport full of Thai stamps.
It is and remains a coup, a grab for power.
No democracy, no elections and if there are, there is little to choose from.
A parliament that is or is half occupied by designated unelected military personnel.
The remaining seats are for the political parties, but they can never form a majority, apart from the fact that they probably cannot agree among themselves.
MYAMAR conditions and if it is up to the militia no more a democracy because whoever has power will not relinquish it in my opinion.
But I hope I'm wrong.
The politicians have made a mess of it. Most of my Thai acquaintances, not representative of Thai society, think it is best…. stability and everyday life continues.
As far as I am concerned, the form of government is not paramount. The most important thing is the well-being of the population. In this area, I believe that there has been considerable progress in recent years. Of course everything takes its time, but I think they are on the right track.
Otherwise, it has been going well in Thailand for 100 years. Putting papers together so that you can take them with you is always helpful. Even in the Netherlands, for example.
I think it's just the well-known story in South East Asia and elsewhere where poverty reigns. A possessive class entrenched behind tanks against the dispossessed. This kind of tension has already led to a lot of misery in the region.
Yes, the best helmsmen are always on the quay.
Would say dive into the history of the country then you know better.
And don't think too western it's not Europe.
Kind regards, Peter
Thailand has */- 300.0000 military personnel, of which 3000 are generals; that is 1 in 100. They have to do something, they can't all light candles.
According to Wikipedia, the Thai army has about 300.000 troops, 245.000 reservists and about 1750 generals.
What nonsense.
A decent broom had to go through. And yes, that takes time.
Soldiers are PEOPLE. People who are tasked with putting things in order.
And they do that wonderfully. Partly because of a government leader who is unparalleled.
Are mistakes made? Sometimes misjudgment? YES. Will the one who has never made a mistake in his life stand up now?
Back to a democracy is the goal. And that will happen.
The impatient had better leave the country.
Never seen such happy people. And get rid of the western chipolata posturing.
Basic life in happiness and well-being together with those you love.
I think THAT is why we are here on earth.
We are helped with that by Chan-Ocha and his friends.
KhunBram.
The reaction shows that many agree with Tino that Thailand is fast becoming a militarized society. I have a different view and I do not agree with the statement.
Do I see soldiers in the streets every day guarding strategic intersections? No, not even in Bangkok. (I saw that during my visits to a number of countries in Africa; for taking pictures in Mali I needed permission from a soldier)
So are the soldiers in the barracks? I think so when they are not on the golf course, playing football or running their own business.
Do ordinary men and women feel the hot breath of the military who enforce law and order (possibly by force)? Do not think so.
Does the army hold open days where every citizen can get acquainted with weapons? Yes, and that actually includes every country in the world.
Should we be afraid of the military because it has so many advanced weapons? I do not think so.
Is the Thai army really so well trained that it can easily repel an attack by a hostile power? I dare to doubt it and the evidence (some arms clash with Cambodia about the famous temple, the south) points in a different direction for the time being.
Is there military dictatorship in Thailand as we have seen in recent history? No.
Do the military have much influence on the ins and outs of this country? Yes, but that has been true since 1932 and even before.
Has much changed in the influence of the army on society since 1932? I do not think so.
So are we heading towards a militarized society? No. The army has always held a special place in Thailand and it cannot be compared with the position of the army in the Netherlands or Belgium, nor with the position of the army in (including the Kingdom of) Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam. And that will only slowly change in my opinion. Things will go faster if the political parties in this country function better and more democratically. And as far as I'm concerned, that has nothing to do with elections, but with a different attitude towards the work that a parliament should do. After all, then the legitimacy of military intervention will lapse.
When I watch TV every day, I mainly see retired military people who fulfill important functions in this country: none of them are on active duty. I tend to judge people by what they do, not their income, origin or profession. The same applies to soldiers. But in Thailand, the army and police have a special position. In America you screen with your income, in the Netherlands with your education, in Thailand with your rank in the police or army. So did Thaksin and there was also a problem with the rank of Abhisit in the past. Apparently that gives something extra. Mainly power, not knowledge.
Where are we heading? Well, I think of a – in name and atmosphere – more nationalistic society. But Thailand is no different from many other countries in the world. It does differ in the drivers of these ideas. In the Netherlands, this is a party like the PVV that mainly tries to do this by opposing Muslims (as a threat to the values and norms in the country), in America there is Trump who also plays the anti-Muslim card (but more focused on security than on values) and in Thailand it is the (more nationalistic part of the) army that mainly blames the former politicians (more red than yellow) for the existing situation. However, they try to do the same, not realizing or not sufficiently realizing that the well-being of the population no longer depends only on what one's own government does and thinks, but increasingly on the exponentially growing interdependence of economies, business and people. Just as the Netherlands is completely dependent on Germany (and cannot afford a NEXIT without a DUXIT), Thailand is dependent on China. No kind mother will help that, nor will a parliament of retired generals.
Thailand is economically dependent on several large countries and China is one of them. Think even the economic influence of Japan is greater because Thailand is the workplace for many Japanese companies. Think Japan is a bit diplomatic, more in the background, but ultimately can be seen as a bigger partner, and not China. China takes production into its own hands and so Thailand is more closely tied to Japan. The sentiment may even work against China later on, as it belongs to the current government and may later change with a civilian government.
In 2007, Thaksin personally guided a number of senior Chinese government officials around Isan. The idea was to lease the entire Isan to a Sino-Thai company. The rice farmers would receive a monthly salary and the proceeds (as an option) would be sold to China for next to nothing. No, the red leaders are even more supportive of the Chinese than the military.
Dear Chris,
That is not possible. During the September 2006 coup, Thaksin was abroad and remained there until February 2008 when he spent six months in Thailand before fleeing permanently in August of that year.
Thaksin lived abroad throughout 2007.
You've told this story before. Do you have a source? Please, because I'm very curious.
Dear Chris,
We actually largely agree. At the beginning of my statement I say that the military has always had a great influence on Thai society in general and on the government in particular.
But the degree of that influence varied considerably. For example, after the fiasco of General Suchinda (Black May 1992, nearly a hundred deaths) under Chuan Leekpai and subsequent governments, the role of the military had greatly diminished, although not completely disappeared. Both Thai and foreign scientists then predicted that the military would never again be able to play an important role in the government of Thailand. That illusion was shattered in September 2006, and again in 2014.
In fact, no one but you denies that the military has exerted an even stronger influence on all aspects of Thai society in the past 3 years. Examples galore.
What there is a difference of opinion about, and I will not go into that now, are the cause and the consequences of this development. Are the consequences good or bad? Do you really have no problem with the serious restrictions on all kinds of freedoms in Thailand, imposed by the junta? And do you think such a thing is good for Thailand's future?
When I look at world history in general and Thai history in particular, I know the answer.
Have a look at the video of Tattoo Color already mentioned by Rob V. above.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmKLxsnASI8
dear tina,
The influence of the military is mostly symbolic and can't really be effective unless you run a regime like in old East Germany or North Korea; and they don't. People are being arrested and detained, but there are also a lot of them walking around with the same criticism of the government and they do not hide it. And picking up every opponent, she will face international criticism, while the image is not good anyway. I have the impression that the government is quite sensitive to suggested improvements, but they should not present them as criticism, but as help.
Serious restrictions on freedom? Do you – like me – not talk about the government and gossip about the royal family? Nothing has changed in my opinion. All ideas to intensify control over the internet are met with resistance and are cancelled.
The world has changed in a number of essential areas: transparency and interdependence. And no one will turn that back.
By the way, if you largely agree with me, you should be against your own statement.
Soldiers on the street is not good for tourism. Why would you do that unless you are after an overt culture of fear or fear major uprisings if you are not so emphatically present? The military in Thailand have the population under their thumb more subtly, there are hardly any protests and those who do are asked for an 'interview'. That works more effectively (less detrimental). But it's still militaristic.
A country and society where the military has a big finger in the pie, where the government does not control the army but the other way around (or where the government is military) and people are not reasonably free to protest and demonstrate, such a country is militaristic in my opinion.
Well let's not beat around the bush because it is just how it suits our farang whether a military or a democratically elected government is in power.
In the hypothetical cases that we are allowed to own land or no longer have to do a visa run and all the hassle surrounding long-term residence in Thailand (subjects that are often discussed on this blog) we all applaud a government of any kind.
freedom of speech has long ceased to be a concept in Thailand! the population is too afraid to express their opinion in public! they just don't want to end up behind bars! Neither you nor me!!