The coalition-member United Thai Nation Party (UTN) and the opposition Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) have raised objections to a new bill proposed by a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, aimed at curbing future military coups.
UTN spokesperson and MP Akradet Wongpitakroj expressed on Tuesday the party’s resistance to any legislation that would permit political interference in the operations of the Defence Ministry.
The party had previously opposed a similar proposal by the now-disbanded Move Forward party.
“Any change to the regulations of the Defence Ministry must be carefully considered. The armed forces are major national institutions where security is concerned,” Mr. Akradet said.
He was referring to an initiative to revise the Defence Ministry Administration Act, introduced by Pheu Thai list MP Prayut Siripanich.
PPRP spokesman Piya Tavichai argued that the bill would weaken the military and potentially lead to its political exploitation. “Therefore, the party is doing its best to block the bill,” the spokesman stated.
Pol Lt Gen Piya also mentioned that this position reflects the direct views of PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.
According to Mr. Piya, the proposed legislation by Prayut Siripanich would give politicians greater control than the armed forces chiefs in the annual military reshuffle.
He noted that armed forces leaders have a deeper understanding of their personnel than politicians, who change with elections.
Mr. Piya further explained that current laws enable armed forces chiefs to recommend general reshuffles to His Majesty the King, the head of the Thai armed forces, for royal endorsement. These laws aim to keep political figures from meddling in military matters.
Both the UTN and PPRP’s statements support the position of another coalition member, the Bhumjaithai Party.
The bill’s proponent, Pheu Thai MP Prayut, argued that his proposal stemmed from his disapproval of the frequent military coups in the country.
The legislation would allow the cabinet to approve military reshuffles suggested by the armed forces chiefs and enable the prime minister and cabinet to suspend military officers to prevent coups.
However, he indicated that if the bill faced significant opposition, he would retract it from parliament for revision.
On December 2, Parliament initiated a public opinion survey regarding Mr. Prayut’s bill. As of Monday, the survey recorded 27,113 responses, with 72.47% opposing the bill and 27.53% in favor.
