FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Thai Army has never pledged to protect the Constitution 

Thai Army has never pledged to protect the Constitution 

Re: “Are we ready for full democracy?”, Have Your Say, October 30.

Mr Dusit, I was baffled when you wrote, “He [Army chief Apirat] made it clear that the Army would uphold the monarchy and protect the Constitution.” 
He did indeed pledge to uphold the monarchy. But the Constitution? I have never heard any Army chief, let alone General Apirat, vow to uphold the Constitution. It has never been part of the Thai military’s oath of service. Notice that whenever the Army chief holds a press conference, in the background appears the motto, “For Nation, Religions, King and People”. Nowhere does it say “Constitution”. Are you sure it is the Thai Army you were talking about?
Meanwhile, you implied that young political maverick Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit got his wealth from his family, not from hard work. Well, judging from your proficiency in English, I suspect you were educated at a university in the West. I deduce that you are from a wealthy family and have inherited wealth. Moreover, your admiration for the junta suggests you either are or were a high-ranking government official, who got the job with the help of rich and influential parents. If not, you likely own a business passed down from the “benevolent hands of parents”. Am I right? 
Mr Dusit, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” Or, to put it in layman’s terms, take a good look at yourself before judging others.
Somsak Pola
Samut Prakan

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