Thai Defense Minister Pruthem recently issued a warning on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the 2014 coup, stating that although the current risk of a coup is low, the possibility of it happening again in the future cannot be completely ruled out. He called on all parties to learn from history and work together to strengthen the democratic system.
Pruthem, speaking on Thursday during the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the National Council for Peace and Order's overthrow of the elected government, said that the democratic system needs time and patience to develop, and any "shortcuts" could undermine the country's democratic process.
When asked if "the 2014 coup would be Thailand's last coup," he admitted: "No one can guarantee it won't happen again." However, he also noted that his experience working with current military leaders showed that they are more open-minded and modern than in the past, understanding global trends and the costs of wielding power.
He pointed out that although a coup seems unlikely at this stage, we "must not be complacent." He urged all sectors of society to continue firmly on the democratic path, respect differing opinions, and maintain effective checks and balances.
"Thai society is gradually moving towards a more mature democracy, and people are increasingly valuing their rights and freedoms; this trend itself is the strongest defense against coups," Pruthem said. He emphasized that all departments and groups should remain vigilant and resolve social issues peacefully, rejecting coups as a means to find solutions.
Pruthem noted that coups are never the solution to problems; they only hinder democratic development. He called on all sectors of society to abide by constitutional principles and to resolve differences within the existing system, achieving peace and sustainable development.
People's Party Member of Parliament Parivachara Sindhu also noted in related remarks that there are as many as 11 issues hindering Thailand's democratic development, including the Senate election system. He pointed out that the Senate election is currently under investigation for fraud by the Election Commission and the Department of Special Investigation, and these issues are closely related to the 2017 Constitution.
Pruthem, speaking on Thursday during the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the National Council for Peace and Order's overthrow of the elected government, said that the democratic system needs time and patience to develop, and any "shortcuts" could undermine the country's democratic process.
When asked if "the 2014 coup would be Thailand's last coup," he admitted: "No one can guarantee it won't happen again." However, he also noted that his experience working with current military leaders showed that they are more open-minded and modern than in the past, understanding global trends and the costs of wielding power.
He pointed out that although a coup seems unlikely at this stage, we "must not be complacent." He urged all sectors of society to continue firmly on the democratic path, respect differing opinions, and maintain effective checks and balances.
"Thai society is gradually moving towards a more mature democracy, and people are increasingly valuing their rights and freedoms; this trend itself is the strongest defense against coups," Pruthem said. He emphasized that all departments and groups should remain vigilant and resolve social issues peacefully, rejecting coups as a means to find solutions.
Pruthem noted that coups are never the solution to problems; they only hinder democratic development. He called on all sectors of society to abide by constitutional principles and to resolve differences within the existing system, achieving peace and sustainable development.
People's Party Member of Parliament Parivachara Sindhu also noted in related remarks that there are as many as 11 issues hindering Thailand's democratic development, including the Senate election system. He pointed out that the Senate election is currently under investigation for fraud by the Election Commission and the Department of Special Investigation, and these issues are closely related to the 2017 Constitution.