EDITORIAL: A new threshold for the

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		Editorial & Opinion 
EDITORIAL: A new threshold for the military
NEW Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Surayuth Julanont knows what it takes to
make the Thai armed forces more professional and popular. The day he was
appointed to the post, he resigned his senatorial seat -- clearly, an
agreeable action. 
This step was necessary, he stressed, to demonstrate his sincerity in not
wanting to be involved in politics. Since then, he has stuck religiously to
his word and has refrained from commenting on political affairs, which is
rather unusual given his powerful position. 
In the past it was considered imperative for the military chief to comment
and offer his views on the political situation in the country. But those
days are gone. Now, with the big boss refusing to make his political
thoughts known, other armed forces leaders are reluctant to say anything,
despite being persistently ambushed by journalists. 
Therefore, without the day-to-day input of the military, the political
scene in this country has taken on a new look -- for the better of course.
Without this verbal intervention from the military, the usual political
diatribe and tension between the civilian and the military arms of the
government has evaporated. Moreover, it has had the dramatic effect of
improving the overall image of the armed forces. 
After 17 military coups since the tumultuous change of guard in 1932, one
can safely say that the threat of future military efforts to topple
democratically-elected governments no longer exists. If Surayud can succeed
in carrying out the plans he has personally pledged to Prime Minister and
Defence Minister Chuan Leekpai, and statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, then
we can expect a total transformation of the Thai armed forces within five
years. By then they will not only be open and apolitical, but also
friendlier to the people. 
One of Surayud's long-standing plans is to restructure the military to
ensure self-sufficiency and transparency. The controversial plan, which has
yet to be finalised and approved by the Cabinet, will streamline the chain
of command of the various branches of the armed forces and empower the
Office of Permanent Secretary for Defence. But the most interesting aspect
of his plan is to bring into the open various armed forces activities,
including their commercial ventures such as TV and radio stations, which
used to be administered in secrecy. 
The Official Information Act of 1997 would be the main instrument to allow
the public the right to ask for information about the military's activities
and how public money is spent. The new army spokesman said yesterday the
army-operated TV5 will be transparent and the public can check its
contracts and budget and other relevant matters. So, too, for the 100-odd
radio stations operated by the armed forces. Now that military business
activities and contracts can be scrutinised by the public, there will be no
more secret dealings or cronyism among the generals. 
Over the past two years, the armed forces have increasingly become more
aware of their image and position in the region and the world at large.
Thailand signed the anti-landmine treaty after army leaders gave the green
light. Recently, the country also agreed to be part of the stand-by
arrangement under the United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping force. Its
representatives, including those attending the Asean Regional Forum and
other security-related fora, are well-educated young officials who actively
contribute to the meetings and are full of vision. 
Viewing the military in a holistic way, one hopes that the armed forces
will truly be professional to herald the beginning of the new millennium.
No doubt its brutal suppression of unarmed civilians in 1973, 1976 and 1992
are constant reminders of the dark side of the security forces and the
destructiveness they can unleash. Now the time has come to show the bright
side. The public must give the armed forces a chance to portray themselves
in a different light. 
The Nation