Army must be accountable

The Royal Thai Army (RTA), one of the country’s most powerful institutions, last week marked Thai Armed Forces Day, a day when it showcased its strength and solidarity.

As the RTA celebrated its big day, the public must keep in mind that military officials still owe a few explanations on its pledge to reform, following several cases, including the Korat mass shooting last year that left a huge stain on its image.

About one year ago, on the afternoon of Feb 8, a disgruntled soldier named Jakrapanth Thomma shot and killed 29 innocent people and wounded 57 others in Nakhon Ratchasima before he was finally put down by police inside the Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall the following morning.

The incident, which began with the killing of the soldier’s senior officer and his mother-in-law at their home over a property dispute, is…