Citizens prefer martial law to national paralysis

Pravit Rojanaphruk’s article seems to offer a good reason for martial law remaining still in place – to stop politicians from paralysing the country, as they did for six months prior to the coup.

The country was brought to its knees by a corrupt government facing an ineffectual opposition, before this was neutralised by massive street protests and disruption to the economy. The political parties in Thailand, as in many other parts of the world, are merely self-serving groups who disguise themselves by espousing democratic principles and promises of a better life. 

The Army acted when it was realised that democratic processes had failed to resolve national problems. Does Pravit really imagine that citizens want to return to the situation before the coup? Most Thais are focused on the struggle to make a living each day. 

While martial law might affect those with political motivations, such as Khun Pravit, it has little impact on the majority.

Ray Gregory