On June 18, 2025, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) addressed public speculation regarding an image displayed on its LED screens showing support for the commander of the 2nd Army Region. The image, which appeared on multiple LED screens across Bangkok, sparked rumors that it might be linked to ongoing political controversies. However, the RTA was quick to clarify that the display was strictly non-political.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, provided detailed comments on the matter. He emphasized that the supportive image for the commander of the 2nd Army Region had been shown on the RTA's LED screens since June 16, 2025. This timing is significant because it precedes the recent political debates that some observers suspected the display might be connected to.
According to Maj. Gen. Suvaree, the image is part of the army’s routine public relations activities and is unrelated to any current political situation. "The image has been presented through the RTA's LED screens as part of the unit's public relations plan," he stated, underscoring the non-political nature of the display. This clarification came amidst growing speculation fueled by the image’s timing and its prominent placement in the capital.
The Royal Thai Army operates five LED screens strategically located throughout Bangkok. These screens serve as a platform for communicating the army's missions, operational updates, and other information deemed beneficial to the public. The display of the supportive image for the 2nd Army Region commander aligns with this broader communication strategy.
These LED screens are regularly used to broadcast images and videos related to the army’s various duties and initiatives. They also provide news and updates intended to keep citizens informed about the army’s activities. The recent display is consistent with this ongoing effort to maintain transparency and public engagement.
Despite the official explanation, the timing of the image’s appearance inevitably raised eyebrows. The political climate in Thailand has been tense, with various factions closely watching symbols and messages that could be interpreted as political endorsements or statements. In this context, the army’s proactive clarification was likely aimed at quelling any misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Images circulated online show the LED screens prominently featuring the supportive message. These visuals emphasize the army’s role in fostering morale and solidarity within its ranks, particularly for the commander of the 2nd Army Region. The commander plays a crucial role in overseeing military operations in a key region, making such support a routine but important gesture within the military community.
Maj. Gen. Suvaree’s remarks at 9:00 PM on June 18 reiterated that the display has no political connotations. This reassurance is essential in a country where the military has historically been intertwined with politics, and where public perception of military actions can have significant consequences.
The Royal Thai Army’s commitment to using its LED screens for official communication reflects an effort to modernize and maintain open channels with the public. By sharing information about military missions and operational updates, the army aims to foster understanding and trust among civilians.
While some may continue to view the display through a political lens, the official stance remains firm: the supportive image for the 2nd Army Region commander is a routine part of the army’s public relations and morale-building efforts, unconnected to any political agenda. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the army's image as a professional institution dedicated to national security rather than political maneuvering.
In a broader sense, this incident highlights the sensitive nature of military communications in politically charged environments. The army’s swift response to clarify its intentions demonstrates an awareness of the potential for misinterpretation and a desire to maintain clear boundaries between military operations and political discourse.
As Thailand continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the role of the military remains under close scrutiny. The use of public communication tools like LED screens will likely continue to be monitored by both the public and political actors alike, making transparency and clarity all the more important.
In sum, the Royal Thai Army’s LED screen display supporting the commander of the 2nd Army Region is part of a planned public relations effort that began on June 16, 2025. It serves to boost morale and inform the public about army activities, with no connection to the current political situation. The army’s five LED screens in Bangkok remain a key medium for sharing information about military missions and beneficial news for the population.
