(2 February) The leader of the infamous 1991 military coup has cast his ballot in Dusit area this morning.
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Gen. Suchinda Kraprayoon, who also served briefly as Prime Minister in 1992, arrived at the polling station with a number of retired military commanders to participate in the election.
"I want to see peace in our country," Gen. Suchinda told reporters at the polling station, "I wish every side in this conflict to engage in a dialogue".
However, the former leader refused to give any advice to the current political leaders.
Gen. Suchinda led a military coup to depose Gen. Chartchai Choonhavan in 1991, before he assumed the position of Prime Minister in 1992, leading to mass protests against him in May that year. The general eventually quit his position and largely stayed out of political spotlight ever since.
Other military leaders also cast their votes today, including Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, who has been subject to speculation and scrutiny from much of the media over his allegiance in the ongoing conflict.
Gen. Prayuth refused to be interviewed by reporters today, saying simply that "it′s election day".
Officials at the polling station realised after Gen. Prayuth left the venue that he has left his ID card at the booth, and contacted the general′s security team to pick it up later.
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