We have talked too much on "raison d'État", but too little on "raison d'être" and "raison de système", not even to talk about the principle of civilian supremacy. By the way, before the interview, I've clearly talked about my condition that I mentioned on my earlier post to Reuters's Amy that I have some limitation to communicate with the media. It's a bit difficult to decisively sever this kind of media interviewing. I feel some obligation to communicate some principle to the media, whereas I see it does not violate to a limitation of my recent condition. I think it should be a fine way to strike a balance of the dilemma.
PS. My deep condolences to the former Thai navy seal, Saman Gunan who died at Tham Luang cave during the mission and his family. You're our hero.
The efficiency of the operation stands in contrast to the slow pace of reforms, which the junta promised when it took power. Opinion polls this year showed the prime minister’s popularity had dropped from a year earlier.
“It does help his popularity,” said Kan Yuenyong, head of the independent Siam Intelligence Unit think-tank, said of Prayuth, 64, who also met relatives of the boys when he visited the cave on Monday, hours after a second group of them had been brought out safely.
“Once this many soldiers come out to help, people view the army as a reliable unit. People still view Prayuth as a soldier.”
Prayuth, who has repeatedly delayed a general election he first promised for 2015, has come under pressure in recent months to hold the vote.
Anti-government protesters have rallied intermittently since the beginning of the year, even though such gatherings are officially banned, including some of the biggest demonstrations since the junta took power.
The election is due to be held by May next year.
Kan compared the cave rescue to a 2011 flood disaster that killed more than 900 people.
Then also the military waded in, at times chest-deep, to rescue villagers and deliver aid, a clear illustration of decisive action in a country where the average civilian official rarely inspires adulation.
“We lack civilian specialists so when there is a crisis in this country, we turn to the army,” Kan said.
From Reuters (July 11, 2018) : https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-politics/successful-thai-cave-rescue-a-boost-for-junta-chief-as-election-looms-idUSKBN1K116J
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