Pheu Thai senator Prayuth Siripanich’s attempt to push for a so-called “anti-coup costs” has been met with criticism from critics and is unlikely to win support from parliament, social observers say.
Following widespread criticism, Pheu Thai list MP Mr. Prayuth announced he would remove the bill to be revised and that it would be resubmitted to parliament once it is available.
Mr. Prayuth insisted at a group meeting on Thursday that he wasn’t backing down and that a better version of the bill would become re-introduced to legislature in accordance with Section 77 of the law.
Mr. Prayuth said he thinks the army’s influence needs to be limited in order to maintain stability in the nation.
Prayuth: Bill unlikely to gain House aid
The Defence Ministry under the direction of Sutin Klungsang was the first to create the expenses that Mr. Prayuth intends to remove.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act, was proposed under Section 133 ( 2 ) of the charter and, as such, does not need to be endorsed by a party meeting, he said.
While the group’s support isn’t required, Pheu Thai may probably animal the plan before it is submitted to congress for further consideration.
At least two coalition parties, including the opposition Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ), Bhumjaithai and United Thai Nation ( UTN), both publicly criticized the bill and pledged not to back it if it is introduced in parliament.
Pheu Thai MP Linthiporn Warinwatchararoj, Pheu Thai assistant secretary-general, acknowledged that some Pheu Thai MPs also disagreed with the proposed bill, which would give the government the power to choose the appointment of generals after a committee made up of the defence secretary and the chiefs of the military forces.
Under Section 25, the expenses added requirements that must be satisfied for all candidates to be generals, including those who are known for having connections to illegal drugs, human smuggling, or the destruction of natural resources and the atmosphere.
In addition, the bill attempts to amend Area 35 by enforcing a ban on the use of military force or military personnel in situations where the government’s managerial authority is seized or under control.
Additionally, it was stated that soldiers who were ordered to carry out such serves had the right to refuse to do so and that they could be seen as a witness to a military-military criminal offense.
Additionally, it increases the penalties for officials who temporarily suspend them in order to conduct an investigation as directed by the prime minister.
In contrast, under the act, the prime minister would be the Defence Council president instead of the defence secretary.
On December 2, Parliament conducted an opinion poll about the costs on its website.
The study will close on January 1.
One of three proposals to alter the Defence Ministry Administration Act was made by the main opposition party, the Defence Ministry, while Mr. Sutin was in charge, with Mr. Prayuth’s act one of three.
Military transformation force
Mr. Prayuth told the Bangkok Post that while he has no ill will against the defense, he is attempting to reform the armed forces through the legislative method to improve their effectiveness.
” I have little specific against the military. The war has served as the world’s security gates.
When a nation is affected by natural disasters, “military personnel often step in and lend a hand.”
However, Mr. Prayuth said,” I want to push through the legislative process for the armed forces reformation.”
Because of some shortcomings that still need to be fixed, such as giving the government more authority over general appointments, he decided to withdraw the expenses for revision.
The plan has been compared to the appointment of officers generals, which does not demand a similar support, according to a celebration source.
Deterrent to uprisings
The request for a so-called anti-coup rules is a symbolic gesture that reflects the government’s attitude toward military coups, according to a political science expert who contacted the Bangkok Post who requested anonymity.
” Any upcoming coups that may occur are likely to encounter backlash from the general public.
” An anti-coup act represents a barrier to military dictatorships, “he said.
He even made a comparison between the PP’s proposed and Prayuth bill, saying the PP is determined to push for its own expenses because it wants people and parliamentary debate on issues relating to military transformation.
The scientific said,” Pheu Thai presented a bill after the PP had proposed it, just to prevent criticism and losing popularity if it had not introduced its own bill.”
He claimed that Pheu Thai and the PP’s charges both aim to give a civilian government a higher power than the military forces.
A civil government should be established in an appropriate democracy, he said, and a civilian government should be chosen over the armed forces, he said.
However, Thailand’s elected government has actually promote power with political party vested interests like bureaucrats and the armed forces.
He claimed that” the notion that a state must be above the military cannot be applied in Thailand.”
Shield against revolt
Wanchai Sornsiri, a former legislator, echoed the view that pushing for the anti-coup costs is no solution to military coups.
According to him,” the best way to stop military dictatorships is for the government to run the land with dignity in the people’s best interests.”
” The government may remain free of corruption to gain people’s reputation.
The people will work as a shield preventing military coups, Mr. Wanchai told the Bangkok Post.” If it can do so, the folks will work as a weapon protecting the state against any military uprisings.”
Playing with fire
He criticized officials who had proposed the anti-coup bills, claiming they were attempting to elicit hostility from the defense and are unlikely to garner widespread support.
Wanchai: MPs want to stir up trouble
Wanwichit Boonprong, a social science professor at Rangsit University, told , the Bangkok Post that Pheu Thai is playing with fire.
He said,” The decision to change the Defence Ministry Administration Act is intended to test the waters.”
Mr. Wanwichit argued that Phumtham Wechayachai’s choice to replace Sutin Klungsang as defense secretary is an attempt to keep a tight grip on the military.
As defence minister, Mr Sutin took a” soft approach “in dealing with the armed forces, while Mr Phumtham, a close associate of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, widely known to be the de facto leader of Pheu Thai ( and father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn ) will also try to ensure no military coups.
There should be no issue if politicians are aware of the military’s internal workings, but the anti-coup act push is clearly intended to stifle political activity, he said.
” Finally, the bill is expected to be rejected by partnership events as well as the Senate,” Mr Wanwichit said.
Wanwichit: ‘ Soft method’ is needed