Prem refers to PM’s recent lack of support

[webfact]

Prem refers to PM’s recent lack of support

By THE NATION

 

 

Statesman tells embattled ministers to ‘behave themselves’

 

PRIVY Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda said Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha might have run out of support when the premier made a New Year’s visit yesterday.

 

 

“Tu has almost used up all of his supporting force. You almost don’t have any support left,” the 97-year-former prime minister said, calling Prayut by his nickname. “But if you can demonstrate goodwill to Thai people, your support will automatically come.”

 

“I believe Tu can do that. Everyone can do that,” he said. “The most important thing is behaving yourselves as a good example for Thai people, showing them how good Thai people are.”

 

While it is not unusual for the two retired generals to meet, it is rare for Prem to point out what could be seen as Prayut’s political flaws.

 

Opinion polls regarding the 63-year-old junta premier have fluctuated during his three-year premiership, which could come to an end next year if Prayut’s promise of an election in November is fulfilled.

 

 

The junta government claims maintaining security and a fast legislative process demonstrate its successful performance. Yet political observers said that has been achieved by tight repression, especially against political differences, and handpicked legislators.

 

Meanwhile, although having ended his eight-year premiership in 1989, Prem remains an influential figure whom every premier since has visited at his Si Sao Thewes residence on special occasions.

 

The tradition has been strictly kept by Prayut, who yesterday led Cabinet members and military leaders to bless last year’s Regent Pro Tempore in light of the new year.

 

“2018 should be a year of success to bring the country to a sustainable peace,” Prayut said.

 

“You, as Privy Council president and statesman, have been a model to us all,” he said. “We are determined to follow what you once said: ‘Once we are born, we have to repay the country no matter what our status is.’” 

 

Among the agendas raised by Prayut were reducing economic inequality as well as loyalty to the monarchy and all Royal Family members. 

 

“We always adhere to maintain stability of the [monarchical] institution and will do everything to create acceptance … on what we will cooperate on to move the country forward,” he said.

 

Officials visiting Prem yesterday included Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda, the PM’s secretary-general General Vilas Aroonsri and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan.

 

Later in the day, Prayut also visited Prawit to give him a New Year’s blessing. “I would like him to stay healthy and strong to perform our duties at our best,” Prayut said. “From previous years to next year, we will pave a strong foundation for the country’s sustainability.”

 

Prawit, who has been heavily criticised after being photographed wearing a series of luxury watches, spurring questions about his “unusual wealth”, also almost received a visit by activist Ekachai Hongkangwan.

 

Ekachai was stopped as he was waiting for Prawit in front of Prem’s residence to give a Bt1,000 watch to the minister in what was seen as a political statement.

 

Police officers escorted him away from the area without pressing any charges or detaining him.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30334995

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-12-29

[Bob12345]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

‘Once we are born, we have to repay the country no matter what our status is.’”

The mindset to create slaves. Simply by being born you are indebted to "the country" and you better repay no matter how little is being done for you.

 

Land of Slaves

[edwinchester]

I'll bite my tongue and just wish I could comment.

[WhisperingJack]

“Tu has almost used up all of his supporting force. You almost don’t have any support left,” the 97-year-former prime minister said

 

This does not bode well for the self appointed PM.

 

What are the chances of a coup within a coup???

[greenchair]

18 minutes ago, WhisperingJack said:

“Tu has almost used up all of his supporting force. You almost don’t have any support left,” the 97-year-former prime minister said

 

This does not bode well for the self appointed PM.

 

What are the chances of a coup within a coup???

Who cares? 

It spells the same way for the tax paying public. 

[gunderhill]

pure bs!

[yellowboat]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

fast legislative process demonstrate its successful performance.

 

It is full of yes men who are only accountable to the army.  It is an abomination of representative government  What a staggeringly stupid statement. 

 

36 minutes ago, greenchair said:

Who cares? 

It spells the same way for the tax paying public. 

Yeah, who in the army would take his place?  Think even the elite are seeing the usefulness of the army run its course.  Not sure how the last, remaining junta cheerleader is going to spin Prem's statements.  Probably with deafening silence.  

Edited December 29, 2017 by yellowboat

[lvr181]

 ‘Once we are born, we have to repay the country no matter what our status is.’

 

But only the "serfs" get to do it! Seems the "elites" have a self imposed will NOT to do it. 

Edited December 29, 2017 by lvr181
Grammar correction

[Oziex1]

Tu you are not popular and never will be and you know it,  so you make rules to nobble the opposition before any elections can take place.

[Srikcir]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

“But if you can demonstrate goodwill to Thai people, your support will automatically come.”

I guess this means more instant "gifts" to the Thai people from Prayut before the next election.

Using of course the people's treasury to entice their loyalty.

SOP from an autocratic playbook.

[Eric Loh]

This sakdina culture is alive and kicking and a curse for Thailand. 

[klauskunkel]

 

Now I understand it. Prawit just got himself another watch, using his cunning Invincible-sleight-of-hand-sleeping-dragon-style KungFu

Edited December 29, 2017 by klauskunkel

[Lupatria]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

“I believe Tu can do that. Everyone can do that,” he said.

I believe this mindset shows, where the problem starts.

[Sydebolle]

Well, calling the prime minister by his nick name says it all. Another good idea would have been to "suggest" to the prime minister to offload his watch borrowing deputy, rather yesterday than today, and to keep the boys at the tills of the land at bay.

Those subs, the Korean destroyer and the funny idea of a high speed rail link between Bangkok and Chiang Mai will haunt the entire establishment forever while making Thailand the laughing stock of the world. 

[holy cow cm]

No Comment is better. 

Edited December 29, 2017 by holy cow cm

[PerkinsCuthbert]

Wot, no new watches?

[oldhippy]

1 hour ago, PerkinsCuthbert said:

Wot, no new watches?

Either that (very unlikely) OR more discreet.

 

[martinhp]

7 hours ago, Bob12345 said:

The mindset to create slaves. Simply by being born you are indebted to "the country" and you better repay no matter how little is being done for you.

 

Land of Slaves

Yes it's not to smart it would be better no matter how small we are look what the country can do for you 

[chama]

12 hours ago, edwinchester said:

I'll bite my tongue and just wish I could comment.

Smart....big brother is watching and listening!

[chama]

Big T would be wise to listen to Prem. Always put the Thai people first.

[beautifulthailand99]

Long Live General Prem !