Analysis | ‘I can be it all’: Thailand awaits elections but will Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha be willing to cede power?
The military insists it intervened to save the country from a possible civil war as deep cleavages in society erupted into violence, and from corrupt politicians who manipulated a flawed political process
When Prayuth Chan-ocha seized control of Thailand in a military coup, he vigorously denounced politicians as responsible for the country’s ills and positioned himself and his fellow generals as the cure.
Four years on, with many of the country’s problems still festering and the public growing impatient for long-delayed elections, the junta leader made a declaration that for many seemed to confirm suspicions that he planned to stay in power long past any polls.
“I am no longer a soldier. Understand? I’m just a politician who used to be a soldier,” the 63-year-old former army chief turned prime minister told reporters at the turn of the year, adding: “But I still have a soldier’s traits.”
The world’s only nation still under formal military rule, Thailand is under increasing pressure both at home and abroad to return to civilian governance. The message now appears clear: in one form or another, the gruff general wants to be that civilian.
Should Prayuth decide to stay on, there is little stopping him. For one, he still holds absolute power under rules he implemented when he staged the 2014 coup and he could simply put off elections yet again.
I am no longer a soldier. Understand? I’m just a politician who used to be a soldier
But even if he decides to follow his latest timeline and hold polls later this year, he and his junta have carefully crafted a strategy to ensure the military commands politics, society and even the economy for decades to come.