Army chief denies Sulak’s accusation of military rift
Army chief Chalermchai Sitthisad has poured scorn on social critic Sulak Sivaraksa’s remarks that there is a rift between young and old soldiers, saying the military is still firmly united.
Gen Chalermchai said he did not know how the critic obtained such information, adding: “I do not think there is any kind of rift.”
He said he tries to be fair to all soldiers: “Now, there is no friction. Everything is still in line with government policy,” said the army commander.
Mr Sulak’s remarks were made in an interview which was posted on the BBC Thai website on Feb 13.
In one part, he said there may be growing dissatisfaction with key military figures inside the barracks.
“Not only are ordinary people weary of them [the senior military figures], other high-ranking officers are also. There are still good leaders who are not so easily influenced by a small group of generals all the time,” said Mr Sulak.
He expressed confidence that the younger generation in the military would bring change.
“Do not think all the soldiers are stupid. I think there are still those who love the country and I am convinced these people will not allow old generals to cheat,” Mr Sulak said.
“These people will have to do something. If they are smart, they will do it smoothly without bloodshed. I hope it happens.”
The regime has come under intense criticism over a series of issues. These include the luxury watch scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the possible delay of the election from November to February next year and the administration’s ability to handle economic issues.
On Feb 10, about 500 activists gathered near Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue to step up the pressure and vowed to continue to defy the ban on political activities in their bid to pressure Gen Prayut into holding a general election this year.
The group also said big events are planned for March 10 and 14, while a non-stop rally will be organised from May 19-22.
Amnesty International meanwhile on Thursday named Thailand among the worst nations in the Asia-Pacific region in a report on the state of human rights for 2017/2018, which covers 159 countries.
It said it found multiple cases last year where human rights defenders, environmental activists, students and locals had their freedom of expression stifled.
Responding to the report, Gen Chalermchai said authorities have not done anything which violated human rights, and anyone found to have breached the laws has been dealt with in accordance with the legal framework.
Referring to calls for the regime’s ban on political gatherings to be lifted, the army chief said people should understand that the authorities are trying to stabilise the situation ahead of the election.
“Assuming that the order was lifted now, don’t you think the situation would be worse?” the army chief asked. “We must seek ways to stabilise the situation prior to the poll.”
He warned that if groups of political activists take to the streets and confront each other, chaos could ensue.