21-4-2024 (BANGKOK) The Defence Council, chaired by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang on April 19, has given the green light to a proposal empowering the prime minister to suspend high-ranking officers suspected of orchestrating a military coup, as disclosed by Jamnong Chaimongkol, the defence vice minister.
The initiative to prevent coups was introduced during the recent Defence Council meeting, where amendments to two laws governing the administrative functions of the Defence Ministry and the charter of the Military Court were endorsed. Additionally, new criteria for the promotion of generals were delineated.
According to the approved proposal, senior officers must have no history of involvement in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, or the destruction of natural resources. They are also required to have no conflicts of interest, including any past or present involvement as a concessionaire of the ministry. Furthermore, they should not be under criminal investigation, except in cases of negligence, defamation, or minor offences.
Crucially, the proposal grants the prime minister, with the prior sanction of the cabinet, the authority to promptly suspend senior officers from their duties if there is evidence of planning to employ military force to seize power and overthrow the government.
Jamnong revealed that the idea of preventing coups had been advocated for some time by civic groups and the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Upon assuming the role of defence minister, Sutin led a task force to examine the issue, with military representatives invited to contribute their insights.
“The attendees at the meeting endorsed the proposal. The military commanders did not offer their viewpoints,” stated Jamnong.
Acknowledging the challenges of incorporating an anti-coup clause into the constitution, which is often disregarded by coup perpetrators, Jamnong suggested that codifying the stipulation in law would be more pragmatic. He hinted at extensive discussions on this concept within pro-democracy circles, particularly among the opposition bloc comprised mainly of Pheu Thai and the Move Forward Party during the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha administration.
The proposed amendments to prevent coups will undergo review by the cabinet before being presented to parliament for deliberation.
Furthermore, during the council meeting, it was decided to appoint two additional members to the Defence Council, thereby increasing the total number of sitting members.
Jamnong disclosed that the meeting also resolved to abolish Military Courts in the provinces. Instead, individuals affected by cases falling under the jurisdiction of Military Courts can pursue legal recourse in the Criminal Court. In times of conflict, appeals may be made by private individuals to the Supreme Military Court.
The vice minister clarified that the legal amendments were intended to ensure that the defence administration remains aligned with the evolving societal landscape.
