'19 Coups' Thailand Accelerates Legislation to Prevent Military Power Reduction

77.5% of Thais Cool Toward 'Prevention Law Ineffectiveness'

Thailand is making every effort to enact related laws to prevent the recurrence of coups, which have occurred 19 times since 1932.

Thai military. Reuters Yonhap News

Local media Bangkok Post reported on the 7th that the ruling party, Phua Thai Party, has proposed an amendment to the Ministry of Defense Administrative Act aimed at reducing the military's capability to stage a coup. Since Thailand transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 1932, 19 coups have taken place, with 12 of them succeeding. Even in the 2000s, two coups occurred. Most recently, in 2014, Prayut Chan-o-cha, then Chief of Army Staff, led a coup and took power, stepping down from the prime minister position last year after losing the general election.

In light of this historical fact, it appears that Thai people still harbor concerns about coups. In a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) in April, 82.2% of respondents answered that "there is a possibility of another coup occurring."

The Phua Thai Party administration, launched last year, has appointed a civilian as the Minister of Defense, pursued military reforms, and prepared to enact a coup prevention law. The bill stipulates that the Prime Minister, instead of the current Minister of Defense, will serve as the chair of the Defense Committee. Additionally, it grants the Prime Minister the authority to immediately suspend military officers who attempt or conspire to seize power by military force.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the military from mobilizing to control administrative power or obstruct government agency operations, and it regulates commanders from using troops for personal profit-making businesses or activities. It also explicitly states that officers have the right not to obey illegal orders from superiors.

Moreover, to prevent military commanders from appointing their close associates as generals, the bill grants the personnel committee formed by the cabinet the authority to appoint and supervise generals. It also strengthens the criteria for promotion to general by excluding those who exert undue influence or are involved in illegal drugs, human trafficking, environmental destruction, and other such activities.

Meanwhile, in a survey asking Thai people whether they believe the coup prevention law can stop coups, 77.5% responded negatively.