 Thai generals can also say: “7-eleven” and “ice cream” (Photo: Bangkok Post) |
April 11, 2011
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation
“No coup” seems to be most precise and briefest message that the Thai armed forces could deliver to the public without a hitch especially in times of crisis or great doubts.
However, when it comes to additional information and explanations, their military leaders are often at a loss.
At issues here these days are not simply just the guarantee of no military takeovers but the whole gamut of Thai military’s engagement in domestic domains and their relationship with the regional and global community as well. On the top of that, there is an important issue of the public rights to know. Thailand is a democracy, albeit its defects, which has rules that the military must comply under a civilian government.
When it comes to communicate with the Thais and outside world on pivotal issues, particularly on security aspects, the military top brasses quite often take it personally viewing further enquiries from media or civil society groups as signs of mistrust and unnecessary provocations. They also take it granted that outsiders must understand their goodwill and true intentions in the country with a constitutional monarchy.
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