Thailand

New army chief declares he’ll protect Thailand’s monarchy and restore peace

Published

Thursday, September 24, 2020 10:24

PHOTO: naewna

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

Jurgen

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 10:29 am

The Army need the monarchy (and vice versa) more than ever before.

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- Pauljina
  
  Friday, September 25, 2020 at 12:37 am
  
  Always have been
  
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patty

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 10:46 am

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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- JinP
  
  Friday, September 25, 2020 at 12:31 am
  
  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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murika

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 11:03 am

When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right. Victor Hugo

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TS

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 11:43 am

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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sam thompson

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 1:40 pm

Tilting at windmills

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Toby Andrews

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 11:51 pm

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.

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john smiyh

Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 10:48 am

Democracy….LOL…555

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Caitlin Ashworth

Caitlin Ashworth is a writer from the United States who has lived in Thailand since 2018. She graduated from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies in 2016. She was a reporter for the Daily Hampshire Gazette In Massachusetts. She also interned at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia and Sarasota Herald-Tribune in Florida.

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