Beyond Those Four Days in May : Thailand tries democracy--and tries to keep its military at bay

For four days last May, hope for democracy in Thailand appeared doomed. Soldiers in Bangkok turned their guns on unarmed demonstrators protesting against the appointment of a military official as prime minister. The showdown ended in the slaughter of at least 50 civilians; hundreds of other demonstrators are still missing.

Today, amazingly, Thailand--a U.S. ally and significant player in Southeast Asia--has a new “pro-democracy” government, elected by the people last month. The four “pro-democracy” parties, dubbed the “angels” because of their united opposition to the Thai military, barely won. But they moved quickly to forge a coalition government that even includes a pro-military party. The Cabinet of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai put a pro-democracy general at the head of the Defense Department--and a onetime anti-communist crusader over foreign affairs.

A 23-year veteran of politics known for his moderate and quiet style (critics call it a timid one), Chuan is the first government head since the mid-1970s to have no military ties. He succeeds caretaker Anand Panyarachun, a former diplomat who was appointed by the king after former Gen. Suchinda Kraprayoon resigned in disgrace following last May’s bloodshed. Suchinda had led the February, 1991, military coup--the 19th in the last 60 years--against the last elected prime minister. In a departure from normal procedure in Thailand, he took the office even though he was not an elected member of Parliament.

Despite the usual blemishes--traditional vote buying in rural areas and scattered violence--the September election sent a message to Thailand’s entrenched military. Anand cleaned house during his brief but distinguished tenure by removing some senior officers from commercial posts. Chuan’s ability to bring a greater civilian presence to government is sure to be tested and challenged by the military.

Nurturing democracy in the rough and tumble of Thai politics will be difficult. If the new government is to prevail, it must compel the army to serve the people, as in all true democracies. That would be a major turn for the better in Thailand.