Coup was justified but jury still out on coup-makers
Re: “Coup was never inevitable; the military had a choice”, Letters, June 1.
Steve CM’s point is thought-provoking but falls shy of answering the question of whether the country in May 2014 was ungovernable. An overwhelming majority of Thais back then believed the country was not manageable through the democratic process.
Steve’s strong contention is that “a constitutionally legitimate government” was overthrown, but he seems blind to the fact of an explosive nationwide division that even the military could not contain. Our differences here are purely a matter of timing. I say this coup marks a pause to democracy, while Steve is adamant that no coup can cure the unrest, irrespective of likely bloodshed. General Prayut’s deed will eventually be revealed either as noble or notorious according to whether he delivers on his promise. But in May 2014, his deed was justified since it saved lives and property.
By comparison with its predecessors, this coup was mild. Without checks from the Western world and the social media, and aggravation orchestrated outside Thailand by “that man”, the coup could have been worse. No longer can a military takeover be accomplished with flimsy excuses.
My message is the Army must not be given excuses to seize power, like imminent anarchy or buffet-style corruption. Unfortunately, our politicians remain mostly self-seeking individuals, as demonstrated by the current controversy over the draft charter. As such, we can be fairly certain this will not be the final coup, no matter how well our next charter is written.
Songdej Praditsmanont
