BANGKOK — Political stability in Thailand faces renewed scrutiny as a controversial military reform bill backed by members of the ruling Pheu Thai Party was withdrawn amid coalition tensions. The move highlights the delicate balance between civilian government authority and military influence in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.
The proposed legislation, which would have transferred the power to appoint senior generals from the army chief to the Cabinet and implemented measures to prevent future military coups, was pulled back for revision after facing strong opposition from coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party.
Thaksin: No More Coups
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose family’s political dynasty has been toppled by military coups twice before, notably distanced himself from the initiative.
“There’s no need to amend the law; adjusting regulations would suffice,” Thaksin said while helping campaign in Ubon Ratchatani local election, adding that he believes Thailand’s coup era is over. “The country has been deeply scarred by what happened in the past 9-10 years. It has made solving various problems more difficult.”
The bill’s withdrawal appears to ease immediate tensions within the coalition government, which has been focused on implementing economic recovery measures. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, argued that coups typically result from politicians’ actions rather than legal frameworks, signaling his party’s resistance to structural military reforms.
In response, Thaksin gently criticized Bhumjaithai Party’s swift opposition, saying they “didn’t need to rush to look good.”
Focus on Economy, not Military
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at a December 11 press conference, emphasized her government’s economic priorities while deflecting questions about potential military intervention. The statement comes as her administration works to maintain political stability while pursuing economic reforms in a country that has experienced 13 successful military coups throughout its history.
When asked if she would be the first Shinawatra Prime Minister to avoid a coup – following the overthrow of her father Thaksin’s government in 2006 and her aunt Yingluck’s in 2014 – she redirected the question to reporters with a smile.
“The solution for our country now is to work together to improve the economy so people can make a living,” she stated, noting that nearly all government meetings focus on economic matters “because we have no time for conflict.”
Prayut Siripanich, the Pheu Thai MP who proposed the bill, announced plans to revise the legislation with over 10 adjustments, incorporating public feedback as required by the Constitution. The revised version is expected by January 1, 2025.
“This legislation is more about positive reform and development of the armed forces than about imposing restrictions,” Siripanich stated.
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