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Following an editorial in Thai Enquirer by Arun Saronchai on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s alliance with the military (read more here), the prime minister took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to reply to the allegations.
Here is his response in full:
This is misleading, and I would like to set the record straight. Dissolving ISOC was never a part of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP)’s policy, neither before, during, nor after the election. This fact is reinforced by the policy declaration I made to the parliament.
However, the PTP and the PTP-led government intend to modernize the army and integrate it into the democratic process. We acknowledge that ISOC’s historical national security mission, dating back to the Cold War era, is no longer as relevant today.
Under my administration, it is my duty to ensure that ISOC’s roles align with democratic values, upholding the rights and preserving the freedom of our citizens. We believe in incremental changes, particularly amidst two decades of political ideological conflicts that Thailand has experienced.
We do not choose a path of confrontation and destruction but rather a path of harmonizing ideas and working for the benefit of the people. The continuity of governance through democratic elections is the essence of a lasting and peaceful democracy.
Lastly, I am the Prime Minister from PTP, elected by the people and endorsed by the parliament. Please do not undermine the voice of the people. If I am only a puppet, I am a puppet of the people.