Army: Neutral in elections, will perform duties legally regardless of government.

MGR Online•Politics•249d ago

Reader Briefing

The Royal Thai Army affirms its political neutrality and commitment to legal duties, pledging equal campaign space for all parties and transparency in addressing public concerns regarding elections.

•The Royal Thai Army has reiterated its firm commitment to political neutrality, stating it will not guide or interfere with the upcoming election process.
•The Army emphasized that its personnel are citizens with the right to vote, and the institution will facilitate fair and equal campaigning opportunities for all political parties.
•A spokesperson highlighted that the Army is prepared to address public criticism and doubts with factual information, distinguishing the current election atmosphere from past events.

Overview

•On January 29, 2026, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) reiterated its stance on political neutrality and non-interference in elections.
•Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, RTA spokesperson, stated that all RTA personnel are Thai citizens and have the right to vote.
•The RTA spokesperson affirmed that all political parties will be provided with adequate and equal campaigning opportunities.
•The RTA spokesperson noted that the current election atmosphere differs significantly from the 2023 elections, where army-related issues were used for campaigning.
•The RTA spokesperson addressed past criticisms regarding land ownership and information operations, clarifying that most land is state property managed by the army.
•The RTA expressed readiness to engage in direct and factual information exchange to address public doubts and criticisms.
•The RTA spokesperson outlined its four main roles: institutional protection, national defense, internal security, and public assistance.
•The RTA spokesperson emphasized that the army will not protect wrongdoers within the organization and will pursue legal processes immediately upon discovering misconduct.

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Key Quotes

Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

"The Army adheres to political neutrality, with all personnel holding the status of Thai citizens like the general public."

กองทัพบกยึดมั่นในความเป็นกลางทางการเมือง โดยกำลังพลทุกนายมีสถานะเป็นประชาชนคนไทยเช่นเดียวกับประชาชนทั่วไป

Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

"There is absolutely no political guidance or interference."

ไม่มีการชี้นำหรือแทรกแซงทางการเมืองแต่อย่างใด

Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

"The Army is ready to accept doubts and criticism from society, viewing it as an opportunity for direct information exchange."

กองทัพบกพร้อมเปิดรับข้อสงสัยและคำวิพากษ์จากสังคม และถือว่าเป็นโอกาสในการแลกเปลี่ยนข้อมูลอย่างตรงไปตรงมา

Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

"The Army serves as permanent civil servants, performing duties within the legal framework and core roles, regardless of which government takes office. The mission of defending sovereignty and national security will continue uninterrupted."

กองทัพบกเป็นข้าราชการประจำ ทำหน้าที่ตามกรอบกฎหมายและบทบาทหลักขององค์กร ไม่ว่ารัฐบาลใดจะเข้ามาบริหารประเทศ ภารกิจป้องกันอธิปไตยและดูแลความมั่นคงของชาติจะยังคงดำเนินต่อไปอย่างต่อเนื่อง

Key Entities

Organization

Royal Thai Army(ทบ.)ℹ️

The primary military organization in Thailand, making statements on its political neutrality and election duties.

Person

Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree(พล.ต.วินธัย สุวารี)

Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, providing official statements on the organization's stance regarding elections and its operations.

Place

Army Headquarters(กองบัญชาการกองทัพบก (บก.ทบ.))

The central command facility of the Royal Thai Army, where official announcements were made.

Timeline

2023(ปี 2566)

A past election year mentioned for comparison with the current electoral atmosphere.

Law

State Property(ที่ราชพัสดุ)ℹ️

A category of public land in Thailand that the Royal Thai Army manages on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.