A comment made by Army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong on Monday regarding Pheu Thai Party's plan to cut the defence budget has drawn criticism.
When asked about the proposed military budget cuts by the party, Apirat said, "They should listen to this tune -- Nak Phandin."
Nak Phandin, loosely translated as "Worthless" or "Useless Weight on the Land", was composed in 1975 to promote patriotic feelings during the fight against the now-defunct Communist Party of Thailand. The song is linked in many peoples' minds with the brutal massacre of students on October 6, 1976.
The Future Forward Party said the army chief’s comments further underscored the dire need for military reform, one of the party’s key platforms.
“Although the military says it is impartial, there are times when this is clearly not the case,” party spokeswoman Pannika Wanich said.
She pointed to an order asking soldiers to support Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, so that what he had done was not wasted.
“And it’s clear as day this time. The military continues to pressure political parties, criticises and possibly intervenes in politics, eventually leading to a military coup in the worst case.
“No one is a burden on the land. Everyone weighs equally in this land. Everyone works and pays taxes like everyone else. What we know for sure is the military budget is excessively high. Nak Phandin is out of style today because it brands compatriots with different views. If we want something modern, why don’t we try Prathet Ku Mee?
"To date, that song has had 56 million views. It clearly shows what people want to listen to and what their stand is. Everybody wants change,” she said.
