People’s party says it supports a military that protects Thai sovereignty

The People’s party spokesman, Parit Wacharasindhu, has explained that the party supports a military that defends Thai sovereignty and the security of the people amidst widespread criticism accusing the party of being against the military.

He also said that the party does not oppose the military’s procurement of arms, but on the condition that the arms must be appropriate to defend the country against new forms of security threat and that the procurement contracts with foreign suppliers must incorporate technology transfer and create jobs for Thai people.

Moreover, he said that defence spending must be transparent, accountable and subject to scrutiny, as applied to budgetary spending of the other agencies.

The People’s party has come under heavy criticism over its alleged anti-military stance during the armed conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia in July and December, when nationalist sentiments ran high.

Critics of the party cited remarks previously made by Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the now defunct Move Forward party, and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the now defunct Future Forward party, which were considered to denigrate the Thai military. Both parties are predecessors of the People’s party.

Pita’s controversial remarks included: “What is the point of having the military?” and “There is no need for the military if the leader is smart enough,” and “If there is a war, the Thai military would be defeated.”

Parit said that the party wants to see military personnel receive good and fair compensation, welfare, good career paths, no abuse of junior soldiers by their superiors and compliance with human rights principles in military camps.

He insisted that the People’s party is as patriotic as most people in this country and its policies are tailored to the protection of the people and are in the national interest.