What is our National Day?
June 24, which fell on Monday this year, is a date most Thais overlook. It used to be our National Day, and was also called Constitutional Day since it marked the transition from absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy in 1932.
Most countries have a National Day, including the United States (July 4th Independence Day), China (October 1) and Taiwan (October 10). Their purpose is to cultivate a sense of national identity and patriotic pride among citizens.
In Thailand that national pride and identity among citizens has been squashed by no less than 23 coups conducted by the military, all on the pretext of national security and combating corruption. The current Army chief has refused to rule out the possibility of more military coups in the future. Thailand has thus been governed by a “state” within a “state”. However, history has shown time and again that military governments are no cleaner or more transparent than civilian administrations, and if anything less so.
Further, the military has a tendency to stoke divisions in the country. For instance, the Army chief recently remarked that those without gratitude to their motherland and monarchy should leave the country. This shows an intellectual contempt for the Thai people. The Army chief should be aware that his position is temporary, while the nation and the people are here forever. There is nothing illogical in wanting to streamline the military into a modern professional force under the government that defends the country from external enemies. It is nonsense to suggest that reforming the military in this way would weaken its capability to protect the nation.
If Thai people are prevented from criticising national institutions, Thailand will end up like a Third World country where violence dominates. Now that we have a new government in place, whatever its democratic failings, we Thais should use the parliamentary channel to voice our opinion. Let’s not turn Thailand into another Syria.
The Insider
