'Election, corruption and coup in Thailand'

I am writing this piece to endorse the views expressed and also to add some of my own.

The political development of Thailand is of special interests to those who want to see democracy gain solid ground in different countries. The future of democracy of the country, which has witnessed 18th coups so far during its 74 years of on-off democracy, has again been put to uncertainty.

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Harun-ur-Rashid has given some explanations, which can be seen as some of the probable reasons behind the coup by General Sonthi. The coup leader was chosen by deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for the coveted position of the country's armed forces.

The coup, which was bloodless and apparently readily accepted by the people (except Thaksin loyalists), has sent a clear message for leaders of other Asian countries. The coup in Thailand has once again taught the lesson that the loyalty of generals or for that matter of civil bureaucracy, should not be taken for granted.

The loyalty of the bureaucracy (both civil and military) can change any moment as has happened in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is the same General Sonthi who had said that "there would be no coup, and the military would be patient."

Generals chosen for coveted positions, have often been seen turning their guns to their mentors in different countries including Pakistan and the Philippines. The deposed prime minister earned the wrath of the revered king Bhumibol Adulyadej as has been demonstrated through unusually quick royal blessings to the coup leaders.

This time the king did not act the way he did in 1991. He intervened in 1991 against the then army chief Suchinda's coup ,and eventually the general had to pave the way for Anand Panyrachun to become prime minister.

The king was not happy with Thaksin as he had openly posed a challenge to what the royal palace has long been seeing as royal prerogatives to decide -- the successor to the king, who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his accession.

Some countries including the United States of America have condemned the coup. The USA has not only expressed concern but also imposed sanctions on Thailand, meaning suspension of its financial assistance to the tune of millions of dollars for the armed forces. In a reaction (September 28) to the coup US Foreign Ministry spokesman has expressed the hope that the Thai military leadership would take steps for holding of elections for restoration of civilian rule at the earliest.

Thaksin also earned the anger of the people for reasons which include the sale of his business empire for US $ 1.9 billion to the Singaporean government in January this year. The circumstances of the sale are being investigated by the military rulers as he is reported to have evaded payment of taxes. Some of the assets of the deposed billionaire Prime Minister may be frozen pending investigation as has been indicated by the military leadership.

The deposed prime minister who left the country for a meeting in Finland on September 9 reportedly carried 58 large suitcases and trunks with him. Another aircraft was also dispatched from Bangkok carrying 56 suitcases for him days before the coup. Those suitcases might have been used for carrying money and other valuables for him as is being speculated in Bangkok.

Thaksin Shinawatra, however, stands apart from other deposed leaders in Asia who have amassed fortune, like Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines and Ms Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, as he was a successful business executive.

Former army chief General Surayud Chulanot, with whom the deposed prime minister had strained relations, has been appointed as the new prime minister of Thailand. The coup leaders have made it clear that the military would retain a share of power. The new prime minister will only lead the country for one year, until elections promised for October, 2007

But under the constitution "the junta will be able to sack him and to play a powerful role in reshaping Thai politics." The military leadership has made it clear that they would decide the future course of politics of the country.

Thailand witnessed for months political battles between Thaksin and his opponents, which had been characterised by large street protests, random bomb blasts and posturing over who had the endorsement of the king. Thais were becoming divided since April 2 polls, which had been boycotted by the opposition and later annulled by the courts. Thaksin Shinawatra who is now in London with his daughter, is blamed by many people of his country for dividing the nation. He was acting as a caretaker prime minister and was scheduled to address the UNGA when he was ousted.

People of Thailand would also hold the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) partially responsible for its failure to act the way it should have as regards conducting the polls.

The king had to intervene so that the country's constitutional and administrative courts could assert their authority. As a result of the king's intervention the courts acted with authority and gave their verdicts annulling the election of April this year.

The influence of the generals of the country was in decline in late 1980s and the military coup of 1991 failed as those behind it could not obtain royal blessings. In 1995, a constitutional drafting assembly representing all segments of society of Thailand set about the task of reaching agreement on the need for a new constitution with guarantee for democracy and human rights. Meanwhile, the armed forces who were used to suppress Muslim separatist campaign in the southern provinces, bordering Malaysia, were unhappy with Thaksin for mishandling of the situation.

Democracy became the victim following failure of the country's politicians to work through understanding. It, however, remains to be seen how the military leadership keeps the promise by returning power to the civilians as has been pledged by the coup leaders.

Nurul Huda is a BSS Special Correspondent.