Greed and control

Voranai Vanijaka asks: “To whom does Thailand belong: the King, the general, or the people?” Anyone who is of a democratic mind would argue for the people as an inclusive notion of representation.

Clearly, though, the military thugs who seized the state in 2014 reckon Thailand belongs to them. They intend to manipulate and control well into the future, with the military’s:

Phalang Pracharat Party on Tuesday formally nominated its new party leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan as the Interior Minister for the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

The nomination, if accepted, would replace the current Interior Minister Gen. Anupong Paochinda who has no party backing. The party also proposed four more senior party members as new ministers, but PM Prayut Chan-ocha said it’s ultimately up to him to decide who will get which Cabinet posts.

Observing this, academic Titipol Phakdeewanich of Ubon Ratchathani University, said “the nomination of Prawit to be in charge of the powerful Interior Ministry is an attempt to ensure the government’s advantage in upcoming local elections.” He added:

The coup makers want to consolidate control to plan for local elections…. The local elections process has been delayed but if Prawit is appointed he can control provincial governors, especially in the northeastern region.

The greed is unbelievable.