A Comparative Study on the Military’s Political Roles of Thai and Indonesian Armed Forces during B.E. 2535 – 2560

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to compare the development in the political roles of Thai and Indonesian armed forces as well as to examine factors influencing changes in the political roles during B.E. 2535 to 2560. Data were collected through  in-dept interviews with the former Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries. The results showed that the development in the political roles of Thai and Indonesian armed forces during the specified period of time was different since both countries had distinct historical roots, social perspectives towards the armed forces, and relationship between the armed forces and people. The Royal Thai Armed Forces tended to have higher social capital than the political sector and it was used to maintain the balance of power as well as the armed forces’ political roles. On the other hand, considering the Indonesian National Armed Forces, after Suharto’s presidency ended, people had denied the military dictatorship.The political roles of the armed forces were, therefore, gradually reduced. As a result, the military needed to transform itself using the principle of professionalism. Furthermore, it was found that there are three factors influencing the changes in the political roles of Thai and Indonesian armed forces including (1) the political roles in the constitution, (2) the political roles in terms of the national stability, and (3) the political roles of the people. In Thailand, these three factors were likely to facilitate the armed forces and help it to be able to strongly maintain the political roles. Nevertheless, in Indonesia, the political roles of the armed forces had been limited. The armed forces did not have the political power and was responsible for maintaining the national sovereignty and stability only.

Keywords: Political Roles; Armed Forces; Comparison