Thai junta leader, backers fuel suspicions of plans to stay in power

[rooster59]

Thai junta leader, backers fuel suspicions of plans to stay in power

By Panarat Thepgumpanat, Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panu Wongcha-um

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha poses for photo with local government officers at a farmer school in Suphan Buri province, Thailand September 18, 2017. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - In his dark suit, Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha cut an incongruous figure guiding a rice tractor across a muddy paddy field in front of cameras and watching villagers.

 

The prime minister's latest photo opportunity won applause from farmers watching in straw hats and his visit to Suphan Buri on Monday brought a call from a local political bigwig for him to stay in power for another decade.

 

Political activities in Thailand have been suspended since Prayuth's 2014 coup, but Thai politicians are asking whether what looks like campaigning is exactly what it seems.

 

The trips to the countryside, a new Facebook account and a chorus of political groups offering support are raising suspicions of a plan to keep Prayuth in power even if long-promised elections happen next year.

 

"It's not beyond expectations that he is out campaigning in the provinces to prepare to become prime minister again," said Chaturon Chaisang, a leader of the Pheu Thai party, which under various names has won every election for a generation.

 

Since August, Prayuth has visited six provinces, including places traditionally considered important battlegrounds for elections. Such trips with his cabinet will now be monthly.

 

In the previous three years, he had only taken two such trips outside Bangkok.

 

"I am not here to make people love me, but I want everyone to love the country," Prayuth, 63, told farmers in Suphan Buri, 100 km (60 miles) north of Bangkok.

 

Said 60-year-old farmer Samruay Tongpratet: "If the prime minister can truly help the poor then he can stay as long as he wants."

 

Prayuth's office declined to comment on any plan to keep him in power.

 

CREMATION AND CORONATION

 

Politics will not resume until well after the cremation next month of the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last October, and the subsequent coronation of his son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

 

In the meantime, Prayuth has the field to himself.

 

"That's why he needed to hold these mobile cabinet meetings in the provinces, act more like a politician, hold rallies, and meet the people," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University, noting the signs that Prayuth wants to stay longer.

 

Last month, Prayuth set up a Facebook page with pictures of him walking with his arm around a farmer's shoulder and giving alms to monks. It now has nearly 11,000 likes.

 

A poll in June showed that 53 percent of Thais would like Prayuth to serve another term.

 

Although Thailand's economic growth lags other countries in Southeast Asia and dissent is strongly repressed, surveys show that Prayuth's backers welcome the stability since the coup.

 

Whether that calm survives electioneering is another question after over a decade of turmoil between colour-coded factions that Prayuth said he sought to end with his coup.

 

On one side is the 'yellow' Democrat Party, which is popular with middle-class voters and has strong support in Bangkok and parts of the south.

 

On the other side is the 'red' movement of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose parties appeal to poorer voters, particularly in the populous northeast.

 

Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was overthrown by Prayuth in the 2014 coup and last month fled Thailand ahead of a verdict in a corruption trial - eliminating a charismatic party figurehead who might also have rallied opposition to Prayuth.

 

'OUTSIDE PRIME MINISTER'

 

Although he cannot technically stand for election because he would have needed to resign by July, a new constitution drawn up at the junta's behest does offer him a route.

 

He could be chosen as an "outside prime minister" - foreseen under the constitution if the winning party fails to get enough votes for its candidate in the 500-member lower house of parliament.

 

In such a case, the upper house would also have a say - its 250 members will be picked by the military. Prayuth would still need support from at least half the lower house, however.

 

Although neither of Thailand's two main political parties has said it would endorse him, smaller players are mobilizing.

 

Paiboon Nititawan, a former member of a now-defunct reform council, has set up an office for a new People's Reform Party to back Prayuth.

 

Suchart Chantharachotikul, a classmate of Prayuth from military school, told Reuters he is coordinating smaller parties to form a grouping to back the junta leader.

 

"Prayuth's military government isn't perfect, but they took care of problems like unrest. It wouldn't be so strange if he stays on for another four years," Suchart said.

 

A composer of sentimental ballads, Prayuth has dropped hints in his music of a longer term political future. His latest song, "Bridge", repeats a message that he will stay as long as it takes to steer Thailand through troubled waters.

 

"My two hands won't let you go," says one refrain.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-09-24

[NanLaew]

Suphan Buri... about an hour's drive from the office in Bangkok.

 

2 out of 10 Must try harder.

 

PS. Still waiting to hear when the Chiang Mai show pony will be trotted out and if it will be before or after the Udon Thani rodeo.

[rkidlad]

7 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

"I am not here to make people love me, but I want everyone to love the country,"

Yes, love your country. Anyone who criticizes the country's leaders doesn't love the country. 

 

I've heard Thai people say they don't like this person and that person, etc. Never heard one say they don't love their country. Is it a problem?

[NanLaew]

16 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

A composer of sentimental ballads, Prayuth has dropped hints in his music of a longer term political future. His latest song, "Bridge", repeats a message that he will stay as long as it takes to steer Thailand through troubled waters.

 

"My two hands won't let you go," says one refrain.

Channeling your inner Simon & Garfunkel anyone?

[franzs]

So what? I am since 1991 in this country, have seen a lot of crooks in government since then, I think this government is doing a good job and is one of the best in the last 26 years.

Edited September 24, 2017 by franzs

[NanLaew]

5 minutes ago, franzs said:

So what? I am since 1991 in this country, have seen a lot of crooks in government since then, I think this government is doing a good job and is one of the best in the last 26 years.

Keep diggin' that Kool-Aid...

[newcomer71]

6 minutes ago, franzs said:

So what? I am since 1991 in this country, have seen a lot of crooks in government since then, I think this government is doing a good job and is one of the best in the last 26 years.

I really hope you was being sarcastic... or you really have a curious way to evaluate a government performance.

[Cadbury]

At least being surrounded by women has brought him out into a half-smile. Which is quite a contrast to his usual glowering display which seems to fit his imperious persona much better.

[maxpower]

[oldgent]

is there anyone who could replace him who could be trusted give fair play to all

Thailand reminds me off N Ireland its orange and green and Thailand is red and yellow

things will never change

[Reigntax]

28 minutes ago, oldgent said:

is there anyone who could replace him who could be trusted give fair play to all

Thailand reminds me off N Ireland its orange and green and Thailand is red and yellow

things will never change

 

I think you are being serious. God help Thailand if Prayuth is the best solution.

Edited September 24, 2017 by Reigntax

[George Bowman]

1 hour ago, franzs said:

So what? I am since 1991 in this country, have seen a lot of crooks in government since then, I think this government is doing a good job and is one of the best in the last 26 years.

Been here since 99' and I have to agree. My Thai wife says "We know who they are, and don't like everything. But, they are doing things which many Thais have been wanting for a long time..."

[Reigntax]

4 minutes ago, missoura said:

Been here since 99' and I have to agree. My Thai wife says "We know who they are, and don't like everything. But, they are doing things which many Thais have been wanting for a long time..."

 

As they say, you get the government you deserve but in Thailands case its moreso the government that the elite let you have due to the poor education, laziness and unwillingness to look beyond personal short term  benefit. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

10 minutes ago, missoura said:

Been here since 99' and I have to agree. My Thai wife says "We know who they are, and don't like everything. But, they are doing things which many Thais have been wanting for a long time..."

 

Other than stopping the reds from shooting and bombing the yellow-shirt groups, what exactly does your wife think the current government is doing that "many Thais have been wanting for a long time."

 

Police reform, no.

Criminal justice reform, no

Punishing corruption, barely.

Improving Thailand's economy and business climate, no

Improving education in Thailand, no

Making Thailand a more tourist friendly destination, no

Doing anything to lessen the gaping rich-poor divide, no

 

I could go on, but you kind of get the idea???

 

[tropo]

1 hour ago, newcomer71 said:

 

1 hour ago, franzs said:

So what? I am since 1991 in this country, have seen a lot of crooks in government since then, I think this government is doing a good job and is one of the best in the last 26 years.

I really hope you was being sarcastic... or you really have a curious way to evaluate a government performance.

 

It's pretty obvious that unless the power is taken away from the military and given to the people (government), democracy will remain a pipedream in Thailand. None of us will ever see it.

 

This peace purchased at the barrel of a gun certainly seems good enough for all the fans though... that's as far as they think... until a military leader in the future decides to take things too far and destroy their lives - at which point it is already too late. As far as expats are concerned, just enjoy the ride and hope for the best - it's not our battle.

 

In the meanwhile, may I recommend that you all be on your best behaviour as you have no rights whatsoever.

Edited September 24, 2017 by tropo

[JAG]

Surrounded by somewhat matronly figures in Desert Combat Fatigues, with the inevitable obligatory Parachutists Wings...

[tracker1]

Nothing new here I mean he has been mentioning his 20 year plan for a few years already !

[maxpower]

56 minutes ago, oldgent said:

is there anyone who could replace him who could be trusted give fair play to all

Thailand reminds me off N Ireland its orange and green and Thailand is red and yellow

things will never change

Hollywood has the ultimate solution

 

[wow64]

I don't think I have meet any Thais that actually like him. They love their country and everything Thai.

 

Think he has a hard road ahead if he actually wants to be in power by an election.

 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2017 by wow64

[chainarong]

I think it was quite evident about 6 months into this so called leadership that Prayut  was intending to stay just a little bit longer, I guess you need to ask yourself  how long is a piece of string to figure out just how long , a knowledge of algorithms would be an advantage......................

[saakura]

23 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Other than stopping the reds from shooting and bombing the yellow-shirt groups, what exactly does your wife think the current government is doing that "many Thais have been wanting for a long time."

 

Police reform, no.

Criminal justice reform, no

Punishing corruption, barely.

Improving Thailand's economy and business climate, no

Improving education in Thailand, no

Making Thailand a more tourist friendly destination, no

Doing anything to lessen the gaping rich-poor divide, no

 

I could go on, but you kind of get the idea???

 

Umm..maybe his wife is talking about lottery ticket prices, moto taxi riders wearing jackets, beach chairs and such important matters?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

11 minutes ago, saakura said:

Umm..maybe his wife is talking about lottery ticket prices, moto taxi riders wearing jackets, beach chairs and such important matters?

 

Obviously, they've decided to start with the really important stuff first, and then deal with the misc. tiny stuff later in the future.... 

[kingkenny]

37 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Other than stopping the reds from shooting and bombing the yellow-shirt groups, what exactly does your wife think the current government is doing that "many Thais have been wanting for a long time."

 

Police reform, no.

Criminal justice reform, no

Punishing corruption, barely.

Improving Thailand's economy and business climate, no

Improving education in Thailand, no

Making Thailand a more tourist friendly destination, no

Doing anything to lessen the gaping rich-poor divide, no

 

I could go on, but you kind of get the idea???

 

Those poor innocent yellow shirts that butter wouldn't melt in their mouths. Oh the humanity etc etc etc blah blah blah 

[oldgent]

46 minutes ago, Reigntax said:

 

I think you are being serious. God help Thailand if Prayuth is the best solution.

i am in no way a supporter of Prayuth i merely asked the question. i am against military

rule and also a self appointed PM

[tso310]

1 hour ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Other than stopping the reds from shooting and bombing the yellow-shirt groups, what exactly does your wife think the current government is doing that "many Thais have been wanting for a long time."

 

Police reform, no.

Criminal justice reform, no

Punishing corruption, barely.

Improving Thailand's economy and business climate, no

Improving education in Thailand, no

Making Thailand a more tourist friendly destination, no

Doing anything to lessen the gaping rich-poor divide, no

 

I could go on, but you kind of get the idea???

 

Road safety - no

[Eric Loh]

1 minute ago, tso310 said:

Road safety - no

He did succeeded in limiting Lamyai's pelvic thrust. That's an accomplishment. 

[Thian]

3 hours ago, rkidlad said:

Yes, love your country. Anyone who criticizes the country's leaders doesn't love the country. 

 

I've heard Thai people say they don't like this person and that person, etc. Never heard one say they don't love their country. Is it a problem?

I've heard Thai people say they don't like the mess in Thailand because there's no rule of law. They don't like the corruption and police but also the dangerous traffic without people obeying trafficrules or showing respect for eachother.

 

I hope the General can change that soon.

[rkidlad]

Just now, Thian said:

I've heard Thai people say they don't like the mess in Thailand because there's no rule of law. They don't like the corruption and police but also the dangerous traffic without people obeying trafficrules or showing respect for eachother.

 

I hope the General can change that soon.

He's been in power for over three years. I can't see why anything would change anytime soon. Well, at least no one will try to invade Thailand for its som tam when they see the submarines. 

[Denim]

Does he sincerely think that tying a red pakama around his waist for a five minute photo shoot gives him mass appeal to the farming community ?

 

Talk about shallow.  Pretty low opinion of the average peasant.

Edited September 24, 2017 by Denim

[Thian]

1 hour ago, oldgent said:

i am in no way a supporter of Prayuth i merely asked the question. i am against military

rule and also a self appointed PM

He wasn't self appointed mate...but i'm not allowed to write about it.