Thailand: Oppn objects to emergency transfer of 2 army units to King

The members of the Opposition in Thailand's Parliament have raised an objection to an emergency decree handing over two army units to the command of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn. A politician noted that it was against the laws of the constitutional monarchy. The dispute escalated tensions in the country's conversion from military rule, where the pro-army and royalist parties see the Opposition as a threat to the monarchy. Thailand has never before seen a lawmaker challenging any legal procedures that are related to the royal affairs. After the death of Thailand's beloved King Adulyadej in 2016, his son was crowned as the new Thailand king following the national mourning period which ended this year. 

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Opposition against the move

An opposition leader from Future Forward Party announced the royal troop decree which had come into action earlier in October, inappropriately used an emergency provision constitution to avoid the parliament, even though it had been approved by a majority of lawmakers. As per the decree, the command of two Bangkok-based regiments was to be transferred to the king's Royal Security Command from an independent military unit. The Secretary-General of opposition's Future Forward, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul reacted to the situation stating there wasn't an emergency at the moment which could justify the move. He then accused the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayuth Chan-o-cha for being nothing more than a "military-style" leader. 

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Other Political reactions

Another Thai Politician Piyabutr Saengkanokkul while speaking to foreign media said Thailand has a monarchy, according to which the King is the head of the State and its people will have their powers while the King uses that sovereignty through Parliament, Cabinet, and Courts according to the Constitution of Thailand. A contrast was seen when a lawmaker from the pro-establishment Democrat Party came out in defence of the decree. He said Thailand is a unique kingdom and its monarchy represents the national security so we should not separate it from the monarchy. In Thailand, any public criticism of the royal family is prohibited and if done it may land the person in jail for up to 15 years. 
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(With inputs from agencies)