Thailand's interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont (R) greets Thai coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin (L) at Government House in Bangkok October 1, 2006. Surayud said on Sunday his government would focus on 'people's happiness' above economic growth. (Stringer/Reuters)By Nopporn Wong-Anan
Sun Oct 1, 2006
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's military rulers unveiled a stop-gap prime minister and constitution on Sunday, fulfilling a promise to step back in favor of civilians within two weeks of their coup against Thaksin Shinawatra.
In other signs of the situation stabilizing, the tanks that had stood outside Government House since the September 19 putsch rolled back to the barracks and four of Thaksin's most powerful ministers were released from army custody.
Shortly after television stations announced the interim constitution, army chief and coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin confirmed that Surayud Chulanont, a retired general, would be prime minister under a gradual plan to restore democracy.
"I went to his house and spent half an hour convincing him to take the job while the country is in crisis. He has agreed to take it," General Sonthi told reporters at a news conference.
Later, at a ceremony at Government House, Sonthi read out a short statement confirming King Bhumibol Adulyadej's approval of Surayud as Thailand's 24th prime minister in 74 years of democracy.
Surayud, 63, then announced that a new cabinet would be picked in a week. He said his government would focus on "people's happiness" above economic growth.
"We will concentrate on the self-sufficiency economy that His Majesty the King advocates," he told a news conference. "We won't concentrate so much on the GDP numbers. We would rather look into the indicators of people's happiness and prosperity."
Under the new constitution, he is charged with keeping the country and economy ticking over while a panel of eminent Thais draws up a new long-term constitution.
According to the generals' "democracy roadmap," this should take about nine months, at the end of which there will be a referendum and national elections.
MILITARY CIVILIAN
Although a career military man, Surayud -- until now a senior royal adviser -- has a reputation as a reformer who recognized the need to keep soldiers out of politics in a country which has now seen 18 successful coups.
The coming months could test his patience to the limits as he tries to convince Thais and outsiders he is marching the country back to democracy at the same time as keeping his old friends in the army happy.
Despite promises not to interfere, doubts remain about the military's neutrality, especially given that the coup leaders are staying on in the form of a Council for National Security (CNS) with the power to dismiss the interim administration.
"He has to keep the military in line, he has to seem legitimate and he has to avoid the appearance of being a stooge or being a puppet to the military," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.
"He also has to get things done. This is a tough balancing act."
Having ousted Thaksin without a shot being fired, Sonthi promised to hand power to civilians within two weeks, a pledge that ensured domestic goodwill but failed to avert international condemnation of Thailand's first coup in 15 years.
The interim charter guarantees basic human rights and sets up an assembly of 2,000 eminent persons to start work on a long-term constitution, but it also enshrines the coup leaders' security role and their ability to hire and fire governments.
CALMING FEARS
Officials have tried to assuage concerns about the army overshadowing the return to democracy, saying the authority to sack the government is largely hypothetical.
"It is a power that is in reserve. I don't think they foresee a situation to resort to it," senior Foreign Ministry official Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn said.
Sonthi told Reuters on Friday the CNS would play a role only in security matters, such as tackling an insurgency in the Muslim far south where over 1,700 people have been killed since 2004.
"I can assure you it is impossible that we will control the government," he said in an interview at Army Headquarters. "We will be the government's tool to keep peace."
He also said Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire who won election landslides in 2001 and 2005 but now lives in exile in London, should not return to Thailand as the "domestic situation has not settled yet."
However, his four most trusted aides -- Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, chief of staff Prommin Lertsuradej, Prime Minister's office Minister Newin Chidchob and Environment Minister Yongyut Tiyapairat -- have been released from 10 days of army custody.
"It is the police's job to look after them from now," Sonthi said.
In one of the few signs of public opposition to the coup, a taxi daubed with slogans saying "Destroying the country" and "Die for the country" rammed a tank in Bangkok on Saturday.
The taxi was badly damaged and the driver taken to hospital with rib injuries. The tank was unscathed.
In other signs of the situation stabilizing, the tanks that had stood outside Government House since the September 19 putsch rolled back to the barracks and four of Thaksin's most powerful ministers were released from army custody.
Shortly after television stations announced the interim constitution, army chief and coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin confirmed that Surayud Chulanont, a retired general, would be prime minister under a gradual plan to restore democracy.
"I went to his house and spent half an hour convincing him to take the job while the country is in crisis. He has agreed to take it," General Sonthi told reporters at a news conference.
Later, at a ceremony at Government House, Sonthi read out a short statement confirming King Bhumibol Adulyadej's approval of Surayud as Thailand's 24th prime minister in 74 years of democracy.
Surayud, 63, then announced that a new cabinet would be picked in a week. He said his government would focus on "people's happiness" above economic growth.
"We will concentrate on the self-sufficiency economy that His Majesty the King advocates," he told a news conference. "We won't concentrate so much on the GDP numbers. We would rather look into the indicators of people's happiness and prosperity."
Under the new constitution, he is charged with keeping the country and economy ticking over while a panel of eminent Thais draws up a new long-term constitution.
According to the generals' "democracy roadmap," this should take about nine months, at the end of which there will be a referendum and national elections.
MILITARY CIVILIAN
Although a career military man, Surayud -- until now a senior royal adviser -- has a reputation as a reformer who recognized the need to keep soldiers out of politics in a country which has now seen 18 successful coups.
The coming months could test his patience to the limits as he tries to convince Thais and outsiders he is marching the country back to democracy at the same time as keeping his old friends in the army happy.
Despite promises not to interfere, doubts remain about the military's neutrality, especially given that the coup leaders are staying on in the form of a Council for National Security (CNS) with the power to dismiss the interim administration.
"He has to keep the military in line, he has to seem legitimate and he has to avoid the appearance of being a stooge or being a puppet to the military," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.
"He also has to get things done. This is a tough balancing act."
Having ousted Thaksin without a shot being fired, Sonthi promised to hand power to civilians within two weeks, a pledge that ensured domestic goodwill but failed to avert international condemnation of Thailand's first coup in 15 years.
The interim charter guarantees basic human rights and sets up an assembly of 2,000 eminent persons to start work on a long-term constitution, but it also enshrines the coup leaders' security role and their ability to hire and fire governments.
CALMING FEARS
Officials have tried to assuage concerns about the army overshadowing the return to democracy, saying the authority to sack the government is largely hypothetical.
"It is a power that is in reserve. I don't think they foresee a situation to resort to it," senior Foreign Ministry official Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn said.
Sonthi told Reuters on Friday the CNS would play a role only in security matters, such as tackling an insurgency in the Muslim far south where over 1,700 people have been killed since 2004.
"I can assure you it is impossible that we will control the government," he said in an interview at Army Headquarters. "We will be the government's tool to keep peace."
He also said Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire who won election landslides in 2001 and 2005 but now lives in exile in London, should not return to Thailand as the "domestic situation has not settled yet."
However, his four most trusted aides -- Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, chief of staff Prommin Lertsuradej, Prime Minister's office Minister Newin Chidchob and Environment Minister Yongyut Tiyapairat -- have been released from 10 days of army custody.
"It is the police's job to look after them from now," Sonthi said.
In one of the few signs of public opposition to the coup, a taxi daubed with slogans saying "Destroying the country" and "Die for the country" rammed a tank in Bangkok on Saturday.
The taxi was badly damaged and the driver taken to hospital with rib injuries. The tank was unscathed.
15 comments:
Democracy has been dealt with a major blow when there is a support for a coup that removes an elected government for doing something that displeases any non-elected groups.
SiS
The Thai people protested against the military coups in the past when they felt that the military was in the wrong. And, the King took the side of his people and resolved the problems without further bloodshed. This coup appears to receive the support of the Thai people and the King. If the people power supported the military coup then they probably knew something we did not. Thaksin is obviously no Saint, but he was elected through a democratic means and a lot of money at his disposal. It is not possible to please everyone and every group in politics, but it is important to have the backing of the people at large. In this case, Thaksin does not seem to have any at this stage.
The same cannot be said of Cambodia. Hun Sen was elected to be Prime Minister through ballot box manipulation, vote rigging and buying, intimidating other political parties, controlling most mainstream media, threatening the use of force if challenged, abusing state apparatus, controlling judiciary and National Election Committee, and political assassination. The security forces are only serving the interests of one person. It is just a sham democracy, but Cambodian people also experienced disastrous coups in the past resulting in unnecessary bloodshed. There are not many options for them, the choice is either living under a devil dictator or supporting a bloody coup with no guarantee that the successors will actually serve the interests of the nation and the people. With all the powers under his control, Hun Sen is enjoying the fruits of this sham democracy endorsed by the compliant international observers in the election.
If this bloodless coup was meant to improve the lives of the Thai people then it should be given a chance to prove itself. A few millions dollars of meagre sanction imposed by the U.S. is nothing if Thailand will be able to gain more benefits from this coup in the long term.
To 11:42am
I totally agree. Thai are not like us. They did thing for the best interest of their people and respect for their Monarchy. It's their way.
Why keep a crook "PM" when they know he used his hard cash to buy votes? Who need to wait for world's opion anyway? They have their enough powerful King and their military might or personal that would stand by them and can do the job?
Above everything, Thailand has their respectful King and thing will go with their King and their people and not Mr. dishonorable PM.
That could only happen in Thailand! It's the democrate made in Thailand! Good for them. At least, nobody is getting kill. Thailand seems to set a side their differnces for peace, happiness and prosperity for their people. I don't see anything wrong with it. Too bad that it cann't happen anywhere else.. and I'm sure,it could only happen in the dream for us.....
I said bull! The Thai used to have coup and many people were killed in the past! But the King always have the power to bring peace and stability! Please do a little research before you paint a good picture of Thai politic!
It would be ashame to see Thai killed another Thai because the Muslim in the Southern part of Thailand are killing Thai people every day!
Thaksin has a choice no to give in like AH HUN SEN! ahahahahah!
To 1:01pm
Please don't tell me that you are not making yourself clear here or may be too proud to admitt that other people can do better than us?
I know, we had bitter past or clash with The Thai, but for this one, I think they have pulled it off. I said at least no one is getting Killed... Can we do that or getting rid of Ah Hung Sen with no one getting kill or got strong support from our Monarchy to do the job? That will never happen to us!
Well, the Muslim is another story and there is more episodes to be watched. May be that the only Thacksin is good for and I do have concern about The general is being a born " Muslim ". No offense. There is good Muslim all over the world, My kid goes to school with a good Muslim kids everyday. It will be ineteresting to watch, if it turns out that my guess is right and it's bad for The US and the real Thai. I hope not. May Buddah be with them.
One thing, i'm holding on to and decide to have faith, is that I'm with King of Jordan and Queen Rania. They are a mixed- match couple, but they are doing fine.
You do know well that Queen Rania is a Palestinian and her Husband King Abdulah is half British and the story goes with Mr. Blair of England and United States right? or don't you?
That probably will be the same with The Thai and that is all I like to say at this time.....
Gen Sonhi said, "I went to his house and spent half hour to convince him to be Thai PM." ONLY HALF HOUR !! to persuit the man who said he had worked very hard throughout his military career to modernize and put THAI military to be professinoal and away from politic.
This is the coup after the one occurred in 1991 or 1992?, What THAI people will do in the next 15 years, if there was another coup? However, THAIS believe in themselves to solve any potential problem.
Any coup is bad. It is not teaching people to do the right thing. It is a bad role model for the region and the world. To condone the coupe is like condoning Hun Sen's coupe and his barells of the guns. I am sure the Thais are gettting used to this by now, but we, Cambodians, can learn to take a different path. The path that will encourage our leaders not resorting to coupe/violence as a way to win over a government.
To: excellency 12:44AM
You have made a very excellent point here. Any coup is bad especially if the leader is elected by the people.
I honestly believe that if the Muslim in Southern Thailand didn't revolted and I am willing to bet there would be a bloodbath in Thailand because no politician would want to be perceived a weak leader!
To blood brother Khmer.
You claimed that once time you were a refugee? If you are a true refugee then you have witnessed countless abused and human right violation done on Cambodian refugee by the Thai army!
This is what I saw as a refugee myself! I saw many of the Thai army killed and robbed Cambodian! Thai army even raped Cambodian women inside refugee Camp that suppose to be under UN protection! I even saw two Thai army torture this poor Cambodian man in broad daylight and butted him countless time with M16 until the blood flow from head to his body and left him to die. Man! Every time these Thai army get drunk and they would their gun in all direction near the refugee Camp. Every evening the Thai army would patrol the Camp carrying the those wip. The worst part of it all is that the Thai army sneaked into the Camp and bribed those poor Cambodian parent to have sex with their daughter or any women without or with husband! This is sickening!
You should be ashame to call yourself Khmer!
Thailand should be learning from the Bush admistration's mistake right now and the revelation of its torrorist dealing outcome. If the Muslim Thais are not being taking care properly with respect; there will be more uprising among the Mulim Thais against the Thai government which will turn the Southern Thailand into a breeding ground of terrorism in Asia. Now problem is small resistance but it can be turning into a big killing machine. By then Cambodia will also be dreagged in as a breeding ground torrorism. Again Cambodians will be suffering of violence by its innocence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To 5:23am
Look! may be you are a very stuburn person or whatever, but just so you know i'm not the same person as you even thought I share the same Nationality.
I express my opion, my belief and that is what you got. If you don't like it,you just have to get tough! You are a man. You will get over it and don't get nasty with me or anyone that are different from you, because if you do, You! should be ashame of your self to be Khmer!
I cann't think the same as you all the time. Do I look like you too?
By the way, I did not forget what my brothers and sisters went thru during the refugee camps in Thailand.
We trespassed their land with no passport. We could be subject to anything or any criminal acts and I don't expect those Thai to be nice to me. I Just want to rest in their land for a little while and be gone. I don't associate with those stranger Thai people. They were all thief, arrogant and low! We got robbed several times by the time we reached their border. The last face I want to look at was those ugly Thai and i wasn't looking. I knew what I want and where I'm going. Those ugly & ignorance people can go where ever they want to go. They don't tie their leggs with me.I Just keep myself away from them as far as I can. They were just people. Some were smart, some are not, some are very poor that was why they were a hungry thief. Now would you let me go? and don't ever say that I should be ashame to be Khmer and don't make me say bad thing back to you, because it's just going to be nice.
ahahahahahahahahahahhahahahha!
To: blood brother Khmer!
What can I say about you? What you have displayed here is a typical Cambodian mentality or Buddhist mentality.
You remembered those B-52 flew from Thailand and dropped their 500 pounds bomb on Cambodian people! Did Cambodia gave the Thai any permission to do such thing? Of course not!
The Thai monarchy didn't give a damn how many Cambodian people died because it is their policy to destroy Cambodia anyway! You didn't see the Thai monarchy protest at the UN or privately about all the bombs killed Cambodian people!
Tell you what the Thai monarchy never care about you Cambodian and so you don't act like you are so concerned or care too much about the Thai monarchy unless history tell you otherwise!
This is for the sake of argument! You can go or leave anytime you want and I am not going to stop you. You have the right to counter or throw mud at my argument.
So why not have a healthy argument!
Come on now! We are adults and we can disagree and we don't have to fight like little children. ahahahahaha! Talk to me!
To 8:32a.m
Well, thank you for recognizing me as being a typical Cambodian mentality or Buddhist mentality, because that who I am and I hope you too.
I don't have many reasons to defence those Thai stranger and i'm not going to pretend that I have other than the fact that they are human being. You can do whatever you want with them. That is their fault for making you feel such bitterness. Good luck Thai people! I'm going. See you later Brother!
Some Cambodia have a very stupid Buddhist mentality because they are so kind and they are willing to wait for the enemy to come in and kill them all so they all can go to heaven!ahahahah
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