Less than 12 hours before Thailands smooth as silk military coup of Sept. 19, REVIEW deputy editor Colum Murphy met with the kings closest advisor, General Prem Tinsulanonda, at the chambers of Thailands Privy Council.
CM: Do you think democracy is one of our shared common goals?
General Prem: Democracy? Yes. [But] you have your constitution, and we have our constitution. The constitution you have is different from my constitution.
CM: So you see a Thai-style democracy?
General Prem: I should say soฏwe should do it in the way we think is most useful to our nation.
CM: How would a Thai-style democracy be different from a Western-style democracy?
General Prem: We are a kingdom. You are not. So you have to think some minor different ways to run your country. Normal [Thai] people love the king very much, you know that. If you saw what happened on June 9 [60th anniversary celebrations of King Bhumibols reign], you can tell how much we love the monarch. Thats something thats different between your [country] and mine.
CM: Can I ask you about your comments over the summer regarding the military and the role of the military in Thailand? Some observers were surprised by your comments when you spoke to the cadets.
General Prem: In this country we consider that we belong to the king. The armed forces [belong to the king]. Thats what we take oath [on] and have to professฏthat we have to belong to the king. So that makes it easier to understand.
Do you know horse racing? In horse racing they have the stable and the owner of the stable owns the horse. The jockey comes and rides the horse during the race, but the jockey does not own the horse. Its very easy [to comprehend].
CM: What makes a good jockey?
General Prem: Ethics and moral standards. A good government can make a good jockey.
CM: Do you think this type of jockeyleaderexists in Thailand?