The Story of Thailand’s 2014 Coup: MOU, Senior Politicians, and the Reign of General Prayut Chan-o-cha

On May 22, 2023, the Progressive Party as a leader formed a government. And the joint party prepares to reveal the details of the MOU today at 4:30 p.m.

At the same time as the coup d’etat by the NCPO 9 years ago

“Don’t even think about fighting me. I have been preparing for three years.”

is a phrase that senior politicians like Wan Muhamad Noor Matha List MP and leader of the Prachachat Party claimed that General Prayut Chan-o-cha Said on 22 May 2014 at the Royal Thai Army Club, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. in which various groups were called to attend the meeting

The key question is if so It shows that there is this idea since 2011-2012, there has not even been a conflict. Until Big Tu came out to deny that he had never spoken

side Nattawut Saikua Used to post on Facebook stating that don’t argue He was in the event Confirmed that General Prayut really said that. But what has been talked about a lot is the detailed record of Somchai Srisuthiyakorn colorfully told Who is sitting in what position? No matter how you sound, it’s written without missing a beat. But what are the facts? seems to still have “Multiple versions” and if comparing the event to a novel Chaikasem Nitisiri The government representatives that day were the most important characters. Both were often referenced, including verbal “I’m not resigning this minute.” Which is claimed to be a word from the person’s mouth and remember accordingly

Chaikasem Nitisiri 1 out of 3 candidates for the Prime Minister, Pheu Thai Party, gave an interview. Page Prachachuen, Matichon Daily, August 10, 2019 issue about the events of that day in terms of perspective and details that may be consistent, similar or different from those previously perceived

Part of that interview is as follows:

Have you read Somchai Srisuthiyakorn’s post telling about the events in the meeting room on the coup day?

I read a long time ago I remember that there was so much drama (laughs) like a novel, how did you write a book for sale? I can’t even imagine that Ajarn Somchai was in there. but have to stay there Because at that time he invited all 7-8 units, the important thing was the PDRC and the UDD, which they separated that day to talk outside first. I feel that it will be Suthep Thaugsuban and Tu Jatuporn Phromphan. When they come back, they still stand and talk. and still can’t agree Therefore, there is a question whether he agrees to resign or not.

The answer that he didn’t resign, there were many versions of the sentence that were “quoted”. For example, this minute does not resign, I probably won’t leave. And this minute, I still won’t quit. So what did you say today?

The word “this minute” is not something I would say. It’s not my expression. Seeing the news from the beginning, this type of sentence is not the way I would say it, but the newspaper went on to say that I said it. That day was all about finding various solutions. He wanted us to resign. but enough to reach the climax I only denied that I could not resign. Because the law is in force that he must act until a new cabinet is formed.

Want to help expand the legal issue further?

I took the old constitution with me (opened to read). 1. The Prime Minister’s ministership is over. This is irrelevant. 2. The term of the House of Representatives has expired. or the dissolution of the House of Representatives Because in that case, there was a dissolution of the parliament. 3. The cabinet resigned. In this case, Khun Prayut coerced and tried to resign. But I can’t resign because when it ends because the parliament has been dissolved Must be in accordance with Section 181, that is, the outgoing Minister must remain in office to continue to perform duties until the newly appointed Council of Ministers takes office. But in the case of the vacation of office under Section 180 (2), in this case it is the vacation due to the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The Cabinet and Ministers will perform their duties as necessary under the specified conditions. Which was used at that time, such as the appointment on budget spending About approving a project that binds the next cabinet, something like this, so the situation at that time was unable to resign. It will become out piling out.

Although he insisted that he could not resign because of legal problems But there was a shot that Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted on resigning. Which is something that has been talked about a lot?

I don’t know. I can’t remember. unlikely to make sense

Was there any “bargaining” at that time?

I think I negotiated to the extent that if I would let the old cabinet members take a vacation for everyone so that they could not come to their duties. can still do But came to force that I had to leave It can’t be done. When he said he couldn’t quit He said, let’s seize power from this minute onwards. I understand that the word “this minute” came from there, but I don’t quite remember. It’s been many years

Khun Somchai also recorded in detail that Mr. Chaikasem Nitisiri, a representative of the government, replied “sarcastically”, would he defend himself?

Is there a mockery as well? (Laughs) That’s why I said that it’s dramatic after reading it. No, I don’t have a habit that comes with a mockery. There’s nothing to be sarcastic about.

with the atmosphere that day Do you think there might be a reason, believe it? Did you decide that day?

I felt that there must be something. Because by the nature of the operation is not always the same. 1. The media is kept out of the way. Not near like every time 2. Keep all mobile phones. looks not normal 3. The military police are fully dressed like those who are going to live in the south. I thought that I doubted that I would not survive (laughs).

If asked if I knew there would be a revolution I have to say that at least 2 of my business friends have said that they will do it. because the news came Someone asked me if I was going to live in Laos. I said no. Anyway, it’s the same. Another person asked if he would go to live in Cambodia. There is definitely a revolution I’m talking about politics What will happen must happen. We have to accept it. if i believe him Until now, he may not have returned yet. Where did each person who went back then go? I’m afraid there’s a problem

Even though I know in advance and have prepared my heart But when listening to it from the mouth of General Prayut What was your first thought that minute?

is nothing to think about What can I do? He already said that he seized power. At that time, I understood that it was two o’clock in the afternoon. He had to stay in place and not let him go anywhere. But I changed my seat from being a Pheu Thai representative to talk to a party that was a little further away. After taking over Pheu Thai for a while, he ran back up and asked who his name was Chaikasem. because it is not fully controlled (laughs)

saw that his head was covered Tie your hands like in a western movie?

That is, when I was escorted into a van, there were 3 of us, but 6-7 of the soldiers were in charge, dressed in combat style, with rifles and handguns. Tie my two thumbs together. At first, the wrist will also be tied. But one of the soldiers, probably the commander, told him not to, enough was enough, so he tied only his fingers and not his feet. I also said that you don’t have to tie your crown. What are you tied up? You are fully armed What can I fight? When you reach the intersection, you will see the Prachin-Nakhon Nayok sign. put a black wool hat over his head so that we don’t see where to go Everyone was treated the same. until there which at first did not know where When taken up to the 2nd floor, I realized that it was a hospice. But probably hasn’t been used for a long time because it’s quite worn out. The parquet floor tends to fray.

How did you get through the first night? Did you sleep?

Can’t sleep because it’s cold and with unfamiliarity He let us change clothes. by storing everything including pens, watches, wallets and brought me a pair of flip flops There is one underpants one shorts one t-shirt We have separate rooms. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 air conditioners, no 1 room, the bathroom is outside. At first, I’m glad that I slept in an air-conditioned room and had a bed like a villa. It looks good, but I’m sorry, if I sit too hard, it will break (laugh). On the first day, he was not very prepared. The immediate solution is to remove the curtain to cover it (laughs). What to do? I wouldn’t have much to do with him. The upper hall is guarded by soldiers all the time. Downstairs, there are soldiers holding guns guarding all the time as well. There is a barbed wire fence. At first I didn’t know where it was. He sealed all windows, covering some with paper, some covered with cloth. But the next day, when it was bright, with prying eyes, he went to look through the channel. see motorcycle registration So I know that it’s Prachinburi.

At that time, I was worried that there would be an unexpected escalation or not. How is the food? Is there a menu in memory?

On the first day, I received a boxed lunch in my room. Didn’t remember what menu, didn’t care. The next day we sat down to eat together. one morning I have eaten boiled rice with mackerel chili paste. Where is it? I have eaten this life in a military camp. We still talked to each other and wondered what was left yesterday so we brought it to eat (laughs). Anything is enough to talk about, for example, asking the newspaper to read, he can’t say anything. Turn on the TV and see some news. Take a shower from a 200 liter oil tank and have a bowl (laughs). After 2 days, he asked his house to send clothes to him. and he brought it A doctor came and asked what medicine he needed. Are you sick? Probably afraid to die in his place (laughs). At that time, I had a little fat problem, but not to the extent that I had to take regular medicines. Ask if it’s stressful for me just because I’m in a military family. His father was a constitutional clerk. The house is in the garden on the Thanon side as well. When I was studying at Chulalongkorn University Have to go to the hill tribe camp, bathe in the creek, no problem. The people who take care of us are quite friendly. In fact, there would be an order to control the intensity. But by the situation there is no need to be intense.

used to demand an “apology” from General Prayuth Have you received it yet?

At that time, I demanded an apology that he asked me to go to the meeting at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defense. about reconciliation It’s a mental thing. Like me, I got hit in this way. I said I wanted a one-word apology. If I apologize, it’s over. Nothing. Let’s stop and continue. but no reply Probably no one dared to report.

Khun Prayut used to go on TV and said that there are places where hands are tied and eyes are closed, only in western movies. I have said this at least 2 times, saying that there is nothing, I have already been hit by myself. But I’m more suspicious of the person. (To read the full interview, click here.)