Surayud: A steady hand at the helm

[suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

February 17, 1999 

Comentary

by Kanjana Spindler

Surayud: A steady hand at the helm

After nearly five months as commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen
Surayud Chulanont remains the same calm, reserved, low-profile and committed
professional soldier that has been the hallmark of his career. Visiting him at
his home, one is almost taken aback by the lack of pomp and splendour so
beloved by many of his predecessors.

In particular, one notes a minimal security presence. So what of the newspaper
reports claiming security for the C-in-C has been beefed up because
elements in
the RTA are unhappy with some of his actions? "Not true," he says. "As a
matter
of fact, security has been decreased because some of my aides have gone abroad
to further their professional education." So much for that rumour.

But there are plenty of other rumours that continue to surface as facts partly
because Gen Surayud has created a "no news" vacuum. He has made very clear his
strict policy of not commenting on anything unrelated to the RTA.

More than that, he is determined to move the RTA out of politics for good. His
vision of the new RTA revolves around a professional, efficient, transparent
organisation.

This vision is so far removed from our traditional expectations of the RTA as
an independent institution with the right not only to voice its opinions
but to
act on those opinions unilaterally, that everybody, including the media, is
having a difficult time adjusting.
As one of the general's aides said: "This boss of mine is so different. He
doesn't like to stay in Bangkok. He likes to go upcountry all the time to see
for himself how his subordinates are carrying out their duties."

This direct, hands-on approach is probably the only way to really change the
RTA. But it will require time and that, hopefully, is something Gen Surayud
has
plenty of - at least three to five years as long as the political powers that
be do not try to derail his tenure as C-in-C for their own short-term goals.

Unfortunately, we Thais love people in positions of power to be seen to
exercise that power. We have grown up accustomed to seeing the RTA's C-in-C as
one of the most powerful men in the country, always ready and waiting to

assume
the position of national leadership. These expectations are addictive,
especially among the media, it seems. So if Gen Surayud rejects this path and
insists on staying within these new, clearly defined boundaries that relate
only to the RTA we are disappointed and the rumour mill creaks into action.

Like the 170 million baht in "special allowances" that Gen Surayud supposedly
cut, leading to rumours of discontent. Not true. The allowances were
discontinued by a cabinet resolution since the "active duty" conditions that
were the basis for the allowances no longer pertain.

Like the "fact" that he has resigned as chairman of Thai Military Bank. Not
true. TMB has the same problems as all other banks but satisfactory
progress is
being made in the restructuring of loans. By mid-year, Gen Surayud expects
TMB's NPLs to be down to around 30 percent.

Like questions surrounding the purchase of second-hand US army trucks. Another
scam? Not true. The trucks are certified by the US as "re-manufactured"
vehicles and represent excellent value for money. In fact, the trucks are an
example of the RTA's new-found thrift under Gen Surayud's leadership, although
old-style, commission-starved weapons vendors may not be happy.

The general is not discouraged by the snipping. He expected nothing less. But
he is counting on the RTA slowly earning a new kind of respect from the
public,
one based on military professionalism rather than military bravado in the
political arena.

* Kanjana Spindler is Assistant Editor, Editorial Pages, Bangkok Post
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Last Modified: Wed, Feb 17, 1999
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