The Dictator, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is boss of the military junta and self-appointed and royal-anointed prime minister, has had a difficult and embarrassing time at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Khaosod reports that The Dictator claimed that he told UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon “that the coup was necessary to ensure the safety of Thai people…”. He claimed that “he was forced to step in and topple the former government when it became clear that the violent political protests, which had been paralysing Thailand for six months, were about to spiral out of control.”
Yes, the same claims that were made by the military junta in 2006.
Apparently he babbled about establishing “sustainable democracy” and requested that Ban “understand” the coup. Stupidly, he claimed that “Thailand is still upholding all of the international treaties it has signed.” Of course, the military dictatorship violates those related to human rights every day.
In the Bangkok Post, there is a somewhat different report, giving the background for Prayuth’s self-justifications.
In that report it is stated that Secretary-General Ban “acknowledged” a return to “stability” in Thailand and also “expressed concern over the ongoing implementation of martial law in a meeting with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and urged a prompt return ‘to civilian rule and constitutional order’ in Thailand…”.
In the same report it is stated that “Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on Gen Prayut to restore a civilian-led government during the meeting on Thursday…”.
This comes on the heels of France also expressing support for democratic rule in Thailand. French ambassador to Thailand Thierry Viteau told Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn of France’s “desire to see Thailand return to democratic constitutional rule.”
The military dictatorship is unlikely to be swayed from mad monarchism, repression, censorship and its role in ensuring that the elite’s rule can continue relatively unimpeded.
Political Prisoners in Thailand 