Country was ungovernable in 2014 and the junta has brought peace

Steve CM claims the “Coup occurred not because country was ungovernable”. During 2013-14 the country was controlled by an incompetent oligarchy supported by a partisan police force and armed thugs lobbing grenades and shooting innocent people. A complete breakdown of law and order confirmed Thailand to be a failed state. Not only is the situation well documented, but I experienced the armed lawlessness in Bangkok firsthand over a six month period. It was reminiscent of Ratchaprasong in 2010 but on a much larger scale. Had the military not stepped in, the country was facing outright civil war. It was that serious. Whatever one’s opinion, the fact is the junta has created peace and stability across the Kingdom for the last two years.
Khun Songdej is absolutely right. The country had become ungovernable for the very reason that democracy did not and still does not exist as the form of government in Thailand. That is the very fundamental reason it became an ungovernable failed state and the very reason it has had 20 coups d’etat since 1932. In a democracy, accountability under the law, right across society, prevents coups. But in his most recent letter, “Most Thais agreed a pause in democracy was necessary”, Khun Songdej shows no understanding of this fundamental fact.
Democracy is a form of government controlled by laws. The right to vote is not a form of government but simply a means of appointing. In a democracy, where the vote is one of its principles, the vote is a means by which lawmakers are elected. There is far more to democracy than having the right to vote. Until this is appreciated, nothing will change.
JC Wilcox