Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party has put forward a bill to revise the Defence Ministry Administration Act, aiming to reduce the military’s power to execute coups d’état.
This legislation would enable a committee, appointed by the cabinet, to select and appoint generals, moving away from the current practice where armed forces commanders appoint their close associates to these positions.
“People who are not part of the group lose the opportunity to advance in their military career, and the appointment of generals lacks transparency. Therefore, the cabinet should oversee the appointment of generals,” said the source.
Furthermore, the prime minister would assume the role of Defence Council chairman, replacing the defence minister. The spokesperson added that the bill introduces stringent requirements for candidates aspiring to become generals as outlined in Section 25.
These include having no record of misusing power or connections to illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human exploitation, or environmental damage.
Other qualifications require that candidates must not be undergoing disciplinary or criminal investigations, with exceptions for minor infractions such as negligence, defamation, or trivial offenses.
Moreover, they must not hold contracts with or engage in business dealings that involve any units of the Ministry of Defence.
The bill also revises Section 35 by explicitly prohibiting the use of military force or personnel to seize or control governmental administration. It bans the military’s involvement in activities for the personal gain of the commanders or any unlawful acts.
It further states that military officers commanded to participate in such activities have the right to refuse orders without facing legal repercussions for violating military criminal law.
The legislation also proposes tougher sanctions for military officers found to breach or plan to breach Section 35, including provisional suspension by the Prime Minister pending further investigation.
“The amendment to Section 35 is important in preventing the military from abusing its power and being hostile to a democratic regime with the King as head of state,” he said.
Introduced by Pheu Thai MP Prayut Siripanich, this bill is one of three seeking to revise the Defence Ministry Administration Act. It is now open for public consultation until January 1 on the parliament’s website.
The other two proposals are from the People’s Party and former defence minister Sutin Klungsaeng.
