M41 Walker Bulldog Tanks in Bangkok

I'm amused by the sight of gleaming M41 Walker Bulldog tanks rolling in the streets of Bangkok and stationed outside some government compounds. These old tanks fielded by the soldiers involved in the coup first entered service in the early fifties after the Korean War and have appeared to be quite well-preserved. Are they preserved for coups and possibly ceremonial purposes? The M113 APCs present in the rowdy streets are also have new paint jobs and spotless tracks!

Someone in a forum sarcastically said,

'Thais referr to the M41 as the "Golden Voter".'

While another person has amusingly commented on the M41 tank,

'I thought it would be called "Ballot Box Stuffer"

Ready, aim, vote!'

Generals, tinpot dictators, wanna-be generalissmos take note! These are perfect tanks for coups. Light weight and not likely to tear up roads with rubber tracks (rather than metal tracks) and upset the people! And they look menacing enough to scare off the odd protester or dissatisfied civilian government official.

The original M41 even comes with a petrol engine. In other words, the army general can have his troops fill up at the petrol station on the way to the palace or istana. And most M41 tanks are now surplus, thus, the cost is low. Very economical political devices!

Image Source: CNN