At a time of mass pro-democracy protests, with some activists facing charges for criticising the role of the Thai head of state, the new army chief says he pledges to restore peace and protect the country’s monarchy. In a ceremony formerly saying farewell to retiring generals, incoming army chief Narongphan Jitkaewtae said he would restore peace and be loyal to the Thai Monarchy.
His statement comes at a time when many people are speaking out against Thailand’s military-run government and calling for changes to the constitution (voted for by referendum in 2017). A number of protest leaders face charges relating to their actions at protests, like breaking the emergency decree back in July for holding a large public gathering, as well as violating the lèse majesté law for criticising or insulting Thailand’s King or members of the royal family.
“Protecting the monarchy with absolute loyalty and supporting the government to resolve national problems and working to advance the country are tasks for which the generals deserve the honour.”
Narongphan praised the more than 250 retiring generals, including the outgoing army chief, saying they all dedicated their time to protect Thailand and maintain law and order.
“We faithfully pledge to carry on your ideologies and perform our duties to the best of our ability, to ensure peace in society, foster national unity and support the country’s development.”
The retiring defence forces chief Pornpipat Benyasri said he was proud for his service in the armed forces and will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty, people and the Monarchy after his service has ended.
“We won’t hesitate to sacrifice our time whenever we are needed.”
SOURCES: Bangkok Post
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9 Comments
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The Army need the monarchy (and vice versa) more than ever before.
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Always have been
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There’s the first problem already. The military sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong. That’s why Thailand is in the position it is now. The military needs to stay away and not get involved in politics and the day to day running of the country. Stick to your day jobs. Thailand has enough problems as it is with the military dictator. It doesn’t need more
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Army should protect Thai people and the country not just monarchy
They should also stay away from the political matter both army and monarchy
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When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right. Victor Hugo
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Thailand called the land of a thousand generals. Number is actually over 1,700. One for every 200 enlisted. Far more than any country in the world. What in the hell for?
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Tilting at windmills
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They are protecting a vile dictatorship, and their positions drawing from the nations wealth.
The Thai citizens have guns, if the army want a civil war they will lose.
In addition I do not think the army and the police are a hundred percent behind this present government.
It is now obvious that the government is bankrupting Thailand. -
Democracy….LOL…555
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Army need the monarchy (and vice versa) more than ever before.
Always have been
There’s the first problem already. The military sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong. That’s why Thailand is in the position it is now. The military needs to stay away and not get involved in politics and the day to day running of the country. Stick to your day jobs. Thailand has enough problems as it is with the military dictator. It doesn’t need more
Army should protect Thai people and the country not just monarchy
They should also stay away from the political matter both army and monarchy
When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right. Victor Hugo
Thailand called the land of a thousand generals. Number is actually over 1,700. One for every 200 enlisted. Far more than any country in the world. What in the hell for?
Tilting at windmills
They are protecting a vile dictatorship, and their positions drawing from the nations wealth.
The Thai citizens have guns, if the army want a civil war they will lose.
In addition I do not think the army and the police are a hundred percent behind this present government.
It is now obvious that the government is bankrupting Thailand.
Democracy….LOL…555