Thai Army Uses Flooding To Bolster Position

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16 November 2011

BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Army, which is typically seen suppressing protests and maintaining political order, is using the recent heavy flooding to show their service and dedication to the people of Thailand. The recent surge of flood-waters that have consumed around a third of the country, including the capital of Bangkok, has not shut down population activity but rather only momentarily halted it. The self-proclaimed “People’s Army” can be seen around the capital using heavy-duty military vehicles to transport citizens around the heavily flooded capital. In the past, the Thai population has been divided because of the military’s role in the lives of civilians, but with the recent flood disaster Thai Army Generals see the opportunity to showcase their dedication and people skills by sending thousands of soldiers to the capital to help cater to the needs of the Thai citizens. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the Thai Army, has advocated heavily that he wants the Thai Army to been seen by the citizens as a “benevolent, apolitical force in the Thai society.” Recently, the efforts seem to have been paying off as even a Facebook page titled “We Love Thai Military” has accumulated around 17,000 followers, some of which are still unconvinced of the military’s current philanthropic actions. Nonetheless, Gen. Prayuth has stated that he wants “soldiers to be the supporting role” rather than the lead actors.

SOURCE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/world/asia/floods-give-thai-military-a-chance-to-launch-charm-offensive.html

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