I am not telling you a secret when I say that the influence of the Thai army on the social and political developments in the country in the last century has been indispensable. From coup to coup, the military caste not only managed to strengthen its position but also – and this until today – to maintain its grip on the country's government.
In a remarkable shift towards efficiency and modernization, Thailand's Ministry of Defense has announced an ambitious plan to restructure its armed forces. This initiative, which runs from 2025 to 2027, includes a budget proposal of 600 million baht for an early retirement program aimed at military personnel aged 50 and over.
Thai government and army agree on reduction of conscription quotas
Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently made a major announcement on the future of military service in the country. After constructive discussions with future military leaders, it was decided to significantly reduce the number of compulsory conscripts. This step is in line with plans to fully switch to a system of voluntary military service by April 2024.
The influence of the military on Thai society
Thailand's parliamentary elections will be held on May 14. The reign of General Prayut, who came to power in a coup d'état in 2014, may then come to an end. On social media, it can be read that the Thai people will not tolerate another coup against a democratically elected government. Nevertheless, the chance of a new coup by the military is considerable. In this article we therefore look at the influence of the army and the military on Thai society.
Generals who called the shots: Sarit Thanarat
Today, please pay attention to Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, who took power in Thailand on September 17, 1957 with the support of the army. Although it was not immediately apparent, this was much more than just another coup in a row in a country where the officers had played a key role in the political and economic life of the nation for decades. The overthrow of the regime of former Field Marshal Phibun Songkhram marked a turning point in Thai political history whose echoes reverberate to this day.
Generals who called the shots: Phin Choonhavan
Today I take a moment to reflect on one of the most enigmatic figures in Thai politics, Marshal Phin Choonhavan. The man holds the record of Thailand's shortest-serving prime minister: he held this position from November 8 to 10, 1947, but his and his family's influence was hardly equal in the Land of Smiles.
Generals in charge – Plaek Phibun Songkhram
The general who left his mark most strongly on Thailand in the past century was without a doubt Marshal Plaek Phibun Songkhram.
Generals in charge: Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhashena
If there has been one constant in the more than turbulent Thai politics over the last hundred years or so, it is the military. Since the military-backed coup d'état of June 24, 1932, which ended absolute monarchy, the military has seized power in the Land of Smiles no fewer than twelve times.
The 'Revolution That Never Happened'
The 1932 Revolution was a coup that ended the absolutist monarchy in Siam. Without doubt a benchmark in the modern historiography of the country. In my view, the palace revolt of 1912, which is often described as the 'revolt that never took place', was at least as important but now even more hidden between the folds of history. Perhaps partly due to the fact that there are many parallels to be drawn between these historical events and the present…
Mae Salong's 'Lost Army'
In 1949, Mao Zedong's forces defeated the Kuomintang. Many of them, including Chiang Kai-shek, fled to Taiwan, but the 93rd Division of the 26th Army Corps and the remnants of the Chinese Nationalist Army's 8th Army Corps, numbering some 12.000 men plus their families, systematically managed to retreat. fighting, to escape from Yunnan in their own version of Mao's 'Long March' and decided to continue the fight from Burma.
Where have the media reformers gone?
Professor Thitinan Phongsudhiraka of Chulalongkorn University recently wrote an op-ed in the Bangkok Post about the Thai media, their role vis-à-vis those in power and their losing battle for more freedoms.
Generals who called the shots: Thanom Kittikachorn
If there has been one constant in the more than turbulent Thai politics over the last hundred years or so, it is the military. Since the military-backed coup d'état of 24 June 1932 that ended absolute monarchy, the military has seized power in the Land of Smiles no fewer than twelve times
Top meeting Prime Minister Prayut with police and army because of fear of political unrest
Yesterday, the National Security Council led by Prime Minister Prayut met for summit talks with the military and security services. Prayut fears that the number of demonstrations and unrest will increase if the current army top is replaced next month.
The reader interested in Thailand knows the stories about corruption in the Thai army. To name just a few examples: officers who collect money from the purchase or sale of weaponry and the opaque money flows of the army that even parliament does not fully understand. But bringing this up is not without consequences, as a sergeant who had had enough of the corruption in his department also found out.
I have read a few times here about farang's action to help Thai with food packages. That's a nice gesture. What I wonder is why doesn't the Thai army help with soup kitchens? They can feed a lot of people. Can they also immediately polish their image after the big shooting in Korat.
Thai army disposes of assets after massacre in Korat
The Thai army promises a major clean-up in commercial activities. That decision comes after the mass murder by a Thai soldier in Korat. The commercial activities of the Thai army account for a billion baht (nearly thirty million euros) per year.
The Thai army receives new equipment
The Changrai Times reports that the Thai army received 10 new VT-4 main battle tanks and 38 armored vehicles, along with some other military equipment, from China last week. All vehicles have been taken to the Adison Cavalry Center in Saraburi for inspection.
It is in line with expectations, but if you look at the proposal for the national budget of Thailand for 2020, you will see that defense is again allocated a lot of money. For example, the budget increases by 6 billion baht to 230 billion baht and when other expenditures for security are included, to 428 billion baht.
Drought in Thailand continues, army will provide help
Prime Minister Prayut has ordered the army to provide assistance to residents in areas suffering from severe drought. In a number of parts of Thailand it has not or hardly rained for weeks and there is now a crisis situation.
Soldiers are displeased with defense cutbacks by political parties
The elections in Thailand are just around the corner and then it is time for rhetoric and election promises. A number of parties, including Pheu Thai, have included in their program that they want to cut back on the Thai army. But the Future Forward Party also wants the number of generals in the army to be reduced from 1200 to 400.
Rumors of a coup are nonsense, says Thai government
The rumor mill has been ramping up on social media for the past few days. A coup would be imminent. For example, the army command would have gone to Germany on request for a meeting with …. (the son of) who often resides there.
Army chief says conscription will not be abolished in Thailand
The commander-in-chief of the Thai army, Apirat Kongsompong, says that conscription for young men will not be abolished. He does promise that conscripts will be treated better.