Parliament's opening session on July 3 will be the swansong of the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, which has ruled the country for over nine years. That said, as the curtain is about to drop, Gen Prayut continues to act as if the end isn't on the horizon.
Last week, he reportedly removed his belongings from his office in Government House, but he remained adamant that he has the right to stay at the army house at the 1st Infantry Regiment base on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok, where he has lived since he became the army's commander-in-chief in 2010.
Gen Prayut continues to reside in the compound despite repeated calls to move out from anti-corruption activists, who believe the PM is abusing his privileges in living on state property, as he retired from the military years ago. In fact, nine Constitutional Court judges have cleared him of any wrongdoing.
"If you want me to move out, go on and revise the law," Gen Prayut was quoted as telling the press last week before adding the house provides him with the security he needs as prime minister.
The case reflects the unique privileges enjoyed by the military in Thai society. While other top executives of other government agencies and other equivalent positions -- governor, Supreme Court judges, among others -- are required to leave their state-provided accommodation once they leave office or retire, the armed forces' top commanders still live in their houses even after they retired, owing to the military's generous welfare housing policy.
Another example of such privilege involved the Si Sao Thewes residence, the house where the late statesman Prem Tinsulanonda lived for decades after he retired from the army and ended his political career. The house, which has now been demolished, was only returned to the state after he passed away a few years ago.
A more recent example is the Ban Pah Roy Tor, or the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation, an army house in the 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard headquarters in Bangkok's Samsen neighbourhood occupied by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Despite having retired many years ago and having his own home, Gen Prawit continues to reside at this house, which is officially registered as a conservation foundation. Not only does it serve as his primary residence, but the house is also the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader and party prime ministerial candidate's de facto office.
These homes shed light on the unusual perks received by the military top brass when it comes to accommodation. While the armed forces' elite are entitled to live in military housing forever, it is no secret that lower-ranking officers have to contend with sub-par accommodation. In fact, the public is aware of the corruption rife in army housing projects, as well as the unfair loans for soldiers to purchase houses and flats provided by the military.
Since the military has pledged to carry out thorough reforms of the armed forces' welfare policies, those in power should review, if not scrap, the policy of providing lifetime housing to the military top brass.
Without a doubt, these officers deserve a decent pension and comprehensive medical insurance for themselves and their families after risking their lives to serve the country. However, the perks should be sensible and, more importantly, fair to all within the forces. Any benefits should reflect the state's gratitude for their service, not indulge their whims.
