BANGKOK — General Sonthi Boonyaratklin, who led the army in the 2006 coup that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra, has come out of retirement to serve as the head of a new political party, which loosely translates as “The Final Word Party”.
The party will serve as the political wing of the Royal Thai Army, and represent army interests in Parliament, including oversight on crucial national security issues such as military budgets, officer salaries, and any judicial matters that might involve the military.
Additionally, the army will provide security before and during elections, to assure no interference from other parties and that electoral rules against campaigning near voting sites is strictly enforced. Armed soldiers will be stationed at every voting area, within sight of all voters.
In response, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva said that he was certain that the army could legally form a political party under Thai law. The Supreme Court is expected to announce full approval this week, after reviewing the necessary laws.
No members of Pheu Thai or the New Politics Party could be reached for comment.
Asked by a reporter from Prachatai about the constitutional prohibition of active military personnel serving in the civilian government, General Sonthi responded by shooting the reporter.
“Don’t worry about the constitution,” the general told the remaining journalists. “We’ll take care of that.”
