Rangsit Rome said he was surprised that the Army Intelligence Chief posted messages demeaning the Popular Party during the election period and advised him to maintain political neutrality like the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Lt. Gen. Theeranan responded immediately, saying he had written clearly but people didn’t read, and questioned those who wondered why he mentioned whether he had ever fought in battle.
On 3 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Rangsit Rome, former party-list MP of the Popular Party, posted on Facebook responding to Lt. Gen. Theeranan Nantakwang, Army Intelligence Chief, who posted about three narratives undermining the army and military identity that have been debunked, referencing the two Thai-Cambodian conflicts. He said, “I believe every organization has both good and bad people; we never generalize. But it must be clear that the army exists to defend the country, not to be used as a political tool for personal gain. Those who staged coups have grown wealthy; their networks are rich and comfortable while the country suffers corruption and fraud. This situation is unacceptable and must not continue. Recently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army has given far fewer political statements, whether General Charoenchai Hinther or General Phana Klaewplodtuk, the current Commander. I see this as a good example of political neutrality and reflects a truly professional army. Therefore, I am very surprised by what has happened with the Army Intelligence Chief posting messages that demean political parties, which anyone can see clearly refers to the Popular Party.”
Rangsit added, “I believe Lt. Gen. Theeranan knows very well that posting messages targeting and falsely accusing the Popular Party is highly inappropriate. Intellectual soldiers should understand how much the Popular Party values the defense industry and the role of professional soldiers. Finally, I want all soldiers to follow the example of the Commander-in-Chief’s neutrality. This is the proper approach. We hate coups but never hate the army. Please stop inciting misunderstandings and end information operations aimed at discrediting the Popular Party.”
Lt. Gen. Theeranan posted on Facebook clarifying that what he wrote was simply an explanation that the narratives undermining the army’s morale, with some trying to interpret them as targeting generals or bad soldiers, should not cause the rest of the soldiers to accept politicians and their supporters using such narratives to demean them.
“I wrote clearly, but people didn’t read. There were many responses: some elders insulted me as stupid; some academics tried to explain with theory and advised ignoring it; some said I was sharp-tongued; others asked if I had ever fought in battle; and some insulted me in various ways, calling me a stupid general with an empty mind.”
“But strangely, I’m not angry or upset at all.”
“Because you know, many don’t know me, and importantly, many don’t read what I write; they just throw accusations at me.”
“If they read carefully and consider, they would understand what I am conveying.”
“1) Other soldiers are not involved. You may criticize bad soldiers, but innocent soldiers have to endure these demeaning narratives while performing their duties at the border. It undermines their morale. Don’t generalize these narratives to affect the pride of the rest of the soldiers.”
“2) You disparage the army, saying it loses wherever it fights. Today, it has been proven we perform our duties perfectly. Has anyone apologized or changed the narratives that insult the army, or will they just let it pass silently?”
“3) Using divisive language within the army must be addressed. Soldiers fighting include everyone from privates to generals. If you ask if any generals or colonels have died, the answer is: has the manager gone out to sell as a marketing officer? Everyone has their role; they can die for each other. We need trust. Those who fought in the two campaigns and areas know well how the frontline worked and how we don’t abandon each other. Division within the army is very dangerous for missions.”
“In summary: 1. Many don’t read and just attack. 2. You may criticize any soldier you want, but don’t generalize to the entire army; those performing perfectly are not involved. 3. If you say something offensive or insulting, apologizing is no harm; take responsibility for your words and society will respond positively. Digital footprints are visible.”
“P.S. 1. For those wondering if I have fought or been to the border, I answer: why must I tell anyone what I have done? Missions vary and some are classified.”
“2. Everything I posted is on my Facebook. I am expressing my own frustrations on behalf of the soldiers. I did not intend to go viral. If it did and anyone was troubled, I apologize.”
“3. Don’t watch too many Hollywood movies; real combat is different. People really get hurt and die. Like chess pieces with different roles, all sectors must work together — politics, military, diplomacy, economy, social psychology, science, and technology — for society to move forward. No sector is perfect; change must be gradual. Don’t act rashly or it will fail.”
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