Sutin ‘confident’ about anti-coup proposal

The defense secretary claims more information must be provided before recommendations are made before Parliament can make them.

Sutin ‘confident’ about anti-coup proposal
When Sutin Klungsang took over as minister of defense on September 13, 2013, he bows as he reviews a guard of honor. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

Sutin Klungsang, the minister of defense, on Wednesday backed a plan that would allow the prime minister to dismiss senior officials suspected of plotting a military coup, citing the possibility that it would serve as a deterrent to military intervention.

Mr. Sutin acknowledged that while the proposal does not guarantee a coup’s ultimate outcome, it may drastically lessen the likelihood of such a thing from happening, which he thought was a good thing.

Under the plan, the prime minister, with prior approval from the government, is authorised to immediately halt from duty senior officials plotting to seize authority and topple the government.

A Defence Council meet, presided over by Mr. Sutin, just approved the proposal. It may require changes to the laws governing the Ministry of Defense’s managerial responsibilities.

Since the close of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has experienced 12 powerful military coups, as well as several others.

When asked what factors the prime minister would consider when determining whether a potential revolt was inevitable, Mr. Sutin said the risk may be based on particular military activities and actions.

He claimed, however, that the plan was not last and that additional discussions and input may be made. The plan may be publicly created and presented to the case for concern before being submitted to parliament for approval.

” The plan, as well as whatever problems that may arise, may be completely debated in parliament. The plan may be finalised in parliament”, he said.

The secretary said the new proposal would be more successful in this regard when asked whether he thought the current laws would be sufficient to prevent a revolution.

In contrast to the modifications requested by the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the opposition’s Move Forward Party, Mr. Sutin said the Defense Council’s request for military measures was viewed as” softer.”

He noted that the request may be considered for concern in parliament in up to four different versions, with others coming from the legal sector.

The Pheu Thai Party senior, who survived the recent cabinet reshuffle, expressed his satisfaction with working and seeing the fruit of his labor increase.

Before the novel line-up was officially announced, there was riddled rumors that he would be ousted from the government, with Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, taking over the defense department.

Mr. Sutin resisted censure, claiming that he occasionally received guarded purchases from the prime minister over safety concerns. He claimed that he had a positive outlook and may react and be effective in any circumstance.