Thai authorities to contact the UK for Yingluck's address as Interpol refuses Blue Notice - spokesman.

[KhunFred]

They are not above kidnapping to achieve their ends. I assume the Shins have adequate security.

[Just1Voice]

The truth is, the Coupsters don't want Thaksin or Yingluck back in Thailand.  They're afraid of Thaksin, and totally terrified of Yingluck coming back.  That would upset the illegal Junta's apple carts big time.

[bluesofa]

Perhaps the Supreme Saviour should be requesting the British government run an "indict two, get one free" offer: Thaksin, Yingluck and the red bull heir.

Or he could offer a discount for cash - same as it works here.

 

[transam]

5 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

They do, but here they call it the Army!

True, but it seems none have a passport to venture out of the country...?

[KiwiKiwi]

55 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

The issue of the  "political motivation" is old news, and many of us long ago pointed this out to the die hard supporters of the change in administration through non democratic means. We were ridiculed, berated and insulted at the time.  The anti democratic supporters argued that the  perception  of "political motivation" was a lie.  Now the issue is again center stage, except this time it is actually made public in Thailand.   This is why former PM Thaksin travels wherever he wishes and why the former PM Yingluck is treated with sympathy and free to go wherever  she wishes.

 

The military administration  made  the two ino into political martyrs. and perpetuated  the ongoing political divide.  One need only look at this week's events in Spain to understand that democratic legal means are the best way to achieve a change in governments as Spain's PM was removed peacefully and without military intervention due to a corruption scandal.

 

 

Indeed. Odd how you don't hear very much from them these days. At the time they were vocal enough with their half-educated views but not so much now. I know a couple who now say they never really supported the junta anyway, but the rest... poof! gorn. Pity really to deprive the world of their comedic value, still, there's still the odd Shin-hater around to break the tedium and provide a little light relief.

Edited June 2, 2018 by KiwiKiwi

[bluesofa]

11 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

Thailand? Where IS Thailand???

The UK post office staff don't know for sure.

I bought a stamp for a letter to Thailand. The assistant, weighed it, checked the price, then crossed out 'Thailand' replacing it with 'Taiwan', telling me I'd spelt it incorrectly. When I told her it was going to Thailand, she said she'd never heard of it before.

 

[bristolgeoff]

Really they don't know so ask the UK  for help.i sure they tell you where or if she is in london.guilford has a big temple many Thais go there they would know too.takism went there and probably the red bull chap.so you can catch them all.they can't be that stupid and can find them,

[Aj Mick]

Yingluck, convicted and sentenced for something that is crime in the eyes of the junta (who illegally overthrew a legitimately elected government)...... While her oversight and action regarding the pledged rice may not have been wise, it was not criminal in the law of most countries. In a democracy the people can exercise their judgment at the ballot box.

 

She's gone.... Why can't the generals just let it be?

[chuang]

What a drama....

[Somtamnication]

[colinneil]

1 hour ago, transam said:

I must assume that LOS does not have a "Secret Service"....

Trans you are behind the times, Thailand has a secret service, made up of all the ex special force members here on Thai visa.

[transam]

37 minutes ago, colinneil said:

Trans you are behind the times, Thailand has a secret service, made up of all the ex special force members here on Thai visa.

Drat, I have been found out.....

[candide]

Well, it confirms they never tried to get a red notice on her.

 

Now, why do they make so much noise about getting her address? If they cannot get her extradited, What's the use of getting her address? 

 

Ooops! Sorry! I forgot they are just pretending to do something. ?

[CanuckThai]

Here's a "snip it" of what/who foreign dignitaries are dealing with, and why interpol/foreign governments just smile a wave to most Thai extradition/arrest requests.

 

 

 

Prime ministerial viewpoints
In the aftermath of the slaying of two British tourists on Ko Tao, Prime Minister Prayut observed that, "There are always problems with tourist safety,...They think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they wear bikinis and walk everywhere....Can they be safe in bikinis...unless they are not beautiful?"[80]

 

The prime minister has asked the media not to report on human trafficking to suppress the country's flaws without considering how the news will impact the country's seafood industry and its reputation abroad. "Please don't escalate this news," Prayut told reporters in advance of a Channel 3 report about Thai nationals forced into slaving on Thai fishing boats in Indonesian waters. "The media should consider the impact the news will have on the country," he said. "It may cause problems, and affect national security ... If this news gets widely published, [it could raise] problems of human trafficking and IUU [Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing]." He warned that if any news reports cause Thailand's seafood industry to lose customers, "the people who published the news will have to be held responsible." The government will summon the Channel 3 journalist, Thapanee Ietsrichai, who has been reporting on the plight of Thai men labouring on the ships. "Let me tell you now, Thapanee will have to come see officials," said Prayut.[81]

 

In a speech marking Thailand's National Media Day on 5 March 2015, Prime Minister Prayut urged journalists to go beyond merely "reporting the facts". "This morning, someone said the media needs to be impartial. No. I don't think they should say that. It isn't good,...What they should say is, first, media should report news that is factual. Second, they should support the government's efforts to move the country forward. And third, they should help reduce conflicts in society, and create understanding about the government's policies that give clear results. Can you not do these three or four things together, dears?" He went on to say, "If this person says, this side good, that side not good, if media keeps presenting news like that, when will our country have peace?" The general then wished the media happiness and told the journalists to "be good reporters, be quality reporters, and be lovely reporters."[82]

 

Gen Prayut pledged to use Article 44 powers to address the nation's failure to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) aviation safety standards. The prime minister placed the blame on staffing issues, noting that the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) only has 13 aviation safety inspectors.[83] The DCA employs 1,514.[84]

 

In his weekly Friday night "Returning Happiness to the People" televised broadcast of 24 April 2015, Prime Minister Gen Prayut conceded that Section 44 powers will not be enough to resolve illegal fishing issues that have prompted an EU warning and possible ban on Thai exports within the six-month period stipulated by the EU. He noted that it was a long-standing problem and that, "I cannot use Article 44 to solve every problem, I cannot use it to solve expensive lemons, to solve the economy or to solve the ICAO aviation safety concern problem. Section 44 is just for allowing military officers to do what they could not do in the past." During the same program, the prime minister reported progress on tackling forest encroachment, saying the government had reclaimed more than 35 million rai (56,000 km2) of illegally occupied public forests.[85]

 

At an anti-corruption event in Bangkok on 8 June 2015,[86] Prayut vowed to eliminate corruption and repair Thailand's tarnished international image.[87] At one point, responding to media questions, he stated, "Don't try to fool me and act like you can do or say anything 'because we are a democracy....'" "Do you misunderstand something? Today, I am the one makes the rules. Previous governments couldn't do that. But today, I made the rules [sic], and all of you have to follow them."[88]

 

Speaking to a visiting group of young Thais who were raised abroad, Prime Minister Prayut said, "...many groups try...to compare our monarchy with other nations. This cannot be done, because our [monarchy] has a long, ancient history. They [Thai monarchs] are like deities. Our King is not involved with anyone. He is above all disputes. When someone violates him, we need to use Section 112 of the Criminal Codes, which is like a libel law, because whenever someone insults us, we can sue them, but if it's the monarchy, [the royal family] cannot sue them. This is because His Majesty is not involved with anyone, and he is under the constitution, and under every law that the government has created to protect him. Yet, people see it as human rights issue. Let me ask you: if someone insults your father, would you give in? We wouldn't. But if it happens to our parents, they can sue. But since His Majesty the King is not involved, he cannot sue, and who would take care of him? Thai people have to. Whoever doesn't understand this is not a Thai. They are awful. This is a sensitive matter. I would like to ask the audience to explain that the monarchy of Thailand is not like the monarchy in any other country."[89]

 

In a speech launching the Discover Thainess 2015 festival, Prayut declared that disagreeing with his vision "...was incompatible with the very nature of 'Thainess'. 'Whoever causes chaos to Thailand or disrupts peace and order, they should not be recognised as Thais, because Thais do not destroy each other,...The charm of the Thai people is that they look lovely even when they do nothing, because they have smiles,...'”[41]
"If seafood is expensive then don't eat it. Leave it to the wealthy. I cannot ensure equality in this manner. If you want to eat expensive items then you must work hard and find a lot of money....We cannot pull everyone to the same level."[90]

 

Announcing the Public Assembly Act, which took effect on 13 August 2015, Gen Prayut said the law requires that protesters apply for permission from police for rallies at least 24 hours in advance. It bans all demonstrations within 150 m (500 ft) of Government House, parliament, royal palaces, and courthouses unless authorised by authorities. It also bars protesters from blocking entrances or creating a disturbance at government offices, airports, seaports, train and bus stations, hospitals, schools, and embassies. "This law will be strictly enforced to prevent the type of nuisance and violence that happened in the past," Prayuth told reporters. "It's not possible to have it all—happiness, equality, democracy—without giving us the tools."[91]

 

A bomb exploded at Bangkok's Erawan Shrine on 17 August 2015, killing 20 and injuring 125 persons. Commenting on the search for those responsible, Prime Minister Prayut, who had earlier rejected an offer of investigative help from the US, suggested that Thailand's senior police educate themselves about how to investigate the bombing by watching Blue Bloods, a fictional New York Police crime series. "Police investigators, especially the national police chiefs, should watch this series," Prayut told journalists. "They will get tips, ideas and insights into their case."[92]

 

The prime minister said in an August 2015 press conference that politicians have no right to criticise the new, draft constitution. Rival politicians have urged the National Reform Council to reject the new charter, citing numerous defects. "They have no right to suggest that to anyone." Prayut told reporters. "Why do the media give a platform to these people?...These people, now that they are being harsh to me, I will have to be harsh in return,...There's no need for a prohibition [gag order] now. But when the time comes, I will deal with them," Prayut said. "Today I have to teach people to think....Today we are still stuck in the trap of democracy, a trap of conflicts," he fumed. "We still let emotions dictate our judgment. We have to fix these issues."[93]

 

In November 2015, he was quoted "If they want to engage in activism or whatever, it’s up to them. If they aren’t afraid of the laws, it’s up to them, and if someone finds a gun and shoot them, or throws grenades at them, well, they have to live with that. If they aren’t afraid, it’s up to them."[94]

 

Unveiling the government's 2015 year-end assessment of its achievements during the year, Prime Minister Prayut denied that his government committed human rights abuses against its critics. He said that detentions of activists were the fault of his opponents for protesting against his rule. "The law says you can't do this and yet they still do it,..." he lamented. Prayut's government pointed to a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office which found that 99.3 percent of 2,700 Thais surveyed were satisfied with the government's performance.[95]

 

In the event showcasing governmental achievements in 2015, PM Prayut told his top supporters that it is "...up to the middle class to swarm to the polls and defeat the poor who are just after government handouts....If they [political parties] use the same old campaign strategy, they will come [to power] with the votes of the poor who want more money to make their life better," he said. "The people in the middle- and upper income ranges have to...cast their votes in national polls and the charter referendum too."[96] During the same week he disparaged the poor looking for handouts, the government announced a slate of "New Year's gifts" to the populace. These included tax breaks on purchases made between 25–31 December, toll-free expressways, and discounted appliances and other governmental largesse.[97]

 

On 25 December 2015 Prime Minister Prayut said that he would no longer put up with criticisms from "irresponsible newspaper columnists" and had instructed officials to invite them for "talks". He said the media should not accuse him of depriving them of free expression as he had already made clear to them the limits of free expression and media responsibilities.[98]
"Why don't people respect the laws instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time?...No one is allowed to oppose [the NCPO]. I dare you to try to oppose [the NCPO]...I don't care what the international community would think about this. I will send officials to explain to foreign embassies. I am not afraid of them. I will tell them to understand that this is Thailand and we are enforcing Thai laws."[99]

 

Speaking at a vocational training gathering on 29 January 2015, Prayut veered off-topic and launched into a discussion of gender roles. "Everybody's saying that we should create equality, women and men should have the same rights, should be able to do the same good and bad things—if that's the case, if that's how you think, Thai society will deteriorate!" He went on, "Women are the gender of motherhood, the gender of giving birth. When you return home...who is it? Who has a wife? Isn't the wife looking after the home? At home she's the big boss, isn't she? Outside I'm the boss—at work, everywhere I have lots of authority. When I return home, I have to be quiet because she's looking after the home, the kids, everything in the house. I haven't done anything at home since we married, she's doing everything."[100]

 

In the final week of March 2016, Prayut attended a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC. While there, he granted an interview to the Thai section of the Voice of America. In the interview, Prayut charged that disaffected politicians who had fled Thailand following the May 2014 coup had hired lobbyists in the US to spread propaganda discrediting his government. He cited fabricated lies that his government had murdered 400-500 journalists and had imprisoned thousands of Thai citizens. This in spite of the fact that there are no reports of such stories in the media.[101][102]

 

Matichon Online reported on Tuesday, 12 April 2016, that Prayut, before a cabinet meeting, greeted people with his convivial wishes for the Songkran holiday. Prayut urged Thais to wear traditional Thai costumes for the holiday and to refrain from baring too much of their bodies during the festival. According to Prayut, "...women are like candies or desserts which should be wrapped nicely..." because people will not buy unwrapped candies or desserts.[103] "During Songkran, I ask that women wear proper clothes, Thai style, so they would look good and civilized," said Prayuth, a father of two daughters. He asserted that women "are like toffee or candy," which people would shun if already unwrapped.[104]

 

Speaking of the draft constitution, on 19 April 2016, Prayut said, "They [critics] have no rights to say that they disagree [with the draft constitution]...I don't allow anyone to debate or hold a press conference about the draft constitution. Yet they still disobey my orders. They will be arrested and jailed for 10 years. No one will be exempted when the Referendum Act becomes effective [after publication in the Royal Gazette]. Not even the media. Why don’t people respect the law instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time?"[105]

 

On 11 July 2016, Prayut said that if the August draft constitution referendum were to be voted down, he would draft another by himself, adding that he could do anything since he has survived military parachute training. "If things remain unsettled, I will draft it [the constitution] myself,...There is nothing in this world I can’t do. As a soldier, I've been through a lot, risking my life so many times. When I was in the infantry...I underwent parachute training. I had to jump and land by myself. Once I deployed the parachute, I knew that I can do anything."[106][107] The following day Prayut retracted his statement, attributing it to a slip of the tongue. He blamed the media for highlighting his thoughtless words and putting him in a bad mood.[108]

 

On 10 February 2017, Prayut asked the public not to be obsessed with democracy, rights, and liberties. He said people should take into consideration other principles, especially existing laws, to find "proper logic". He stated that the government cannot be swayed by the public's feelings. Gen Prayut said that societal conflicts arise from social and economic disparity and an educational system that fails to instill a proper way of thinking.[109]

 

On 9 December 2017, Prayut, speaking at an event to mark international Anti-Corruption Day, said that he has no tolerance for graft and said that Thai citizens should have zero tolerance for graft.[110]

 

On 12 December 2017, Prayut defended Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, blaming the media for asking questions about possible improprieties in order to divide Prayut and Prawit. Prawit was in the media spotlight for being seen wearing a watch and ring worth millions of baht. Prayut said that, "Many people target him [Prawit], and want him to be divided from me. You [the media] all know this very well....If nobody is beside me,...I will be fiercer. I will fully exercise my power," he said.[111]

 

In January 2018 Prayut attributed the success of Thailand's tourism industry to the country's stability. "Under my administration, the country is peaceful and stable, attracting larger numbers of tourists every year," he said.[112]
In response to a Gambian minister's off-hand remark that "If you want a sex destination, you go to Thailand" Prayut said, "We have to help make Pattaya and other tourism areas quality tourist attractions and free of this [sex tourism]". He went on to add that some people work in the sex business as they "follow the fashion of buying luxury goods", presumably referring to watches, high-end automobiles, designer apparel and luggage, and the like.[113]

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayut_Chan-o-cha

[Eligius]

2 hours ago, darksidedog said:

Being refused international cooperation because the case is politically motivated is definitely embarrassing. Be interesting to see how hard the Junta try to push it. They run the risk of looking even worse than they do already.

No problem for the junta. They will tell the Thais (and the world): 'The English misunderstood our request. Now we explain and they understand everything. They support Thailand. They know we follow Law. Britain understand. Later everything will be clear ...'

 

Thai junta 'leaders' lie as easily and as idiotically as a four-year-old (sorry for the insult to four-year-olds!).

[evadgib]

2 hours ago, Chang_paarp said:

Why do they make these public pronouncements?

 

They should keep quiet and save themselves the embarrassment/ loss of face.

It creates the illusion (for a domestic audience) that their best efforts are once again being thwarted by foreign govts whereas the truth is no serious effort has been  made.

Edited June 2, 2018 by evadgib

[RickTik]

Prayut and the crew should just continue to focus on business at home.

No matter where she lives, Yingluck's heart will always be in Thailand.

Also, despite the rice scheme mess, Yingluck did some good.

Specifically, she made sure the farmer's voices would be heard. 

I've noticed Prayut and the crew are looking out for the farmers much more than before.

The future looks very good for Thailand.

 

[Oziex1]

Did they in fact enlist the services of Interpol and will they even ask the Brit's for her address? 

[Cadbury]

2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Interpol have refused to issue a Blue Notice saying the case is politically motivated.

Interpol better be careful; they are playing a dangerous game with the almighty junta. The PM could declare that statement to be "false news" and have the heads of Interpol apprehended and deported to Thailand to be arrested. Just like they did to that Cambodian jokester who claimed the PM told people to fill up their cars with water. That'll teach 'em not to issue a "blue card".

[trainman34014]

1 hour ago, transam said:

I must assume that LOS does not have a "Secret Service"....

Yeah; they do, they were the ones that helped her leave the country !

[4MyEgo]

We know the Shinawatra's are out of the country, as is the Red Bull guy, so why not focus on Mr Tick Tock and his 25 top notch watches, he is still in the country, and your reason for not going after him is ?

[KiwiKiwi]

1 hour ago, CanuckThai said:

Here's a "snip it" of what/who foreign dignitaries are dealing with, and why interpol/foreign governments just smile a wave to most Thai extradition/arrest requests.

 

 

 

Prime ministerial viewpoints
In the aftermath of the slaying of two British tourists on Ko Tao, Prime Minister Prayut observed that, "There are always problems with tourist safety,...They think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they wear bikinis and walk everywhere....Can they be safe in bikinis...unless they are not beautiful?"[80]

 

The prime minister has asked the media not to report on human trafficking to suppress the country's flaws without considering how the news will impact the country's seafood industry and its reputation abroad. "Please don't escalate this news," Prayut told reporters in advance of a Channel 3 report about Thai nationals forced into slaving on Thai fishing boats in Indonesian waters. "The media should consider the impact the news will have on the country," he said. "It may cause problems, and affect national security ... If this news gets widely published, [it could raise] problems of human trafficking and IUU [Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing]." He warned that if any news reports cause Thailand's seafood industry to lose customers, "the people who published the news will have to be held responsible." The government will summon the Channel 3 journalist, Thapanee Ietsrichai, who has been reporting on the plight of Thai men labouring on the ships. "Let me tell you now, Thapanee will have to come see officials," said Prayut.[81]

 

In a speech marking Thailand's National Media Day on 5 March 2015, Prime Minister Prayut urged journalists to go beyond merely "reporting the facts". "This morning, someone said the media needs to be impartial. No. I don't think they should say that. It isn't good,...What they should say is, first, media should report news that is factual. Second, they should support the government's efforts to move the country forward. And third, they should help reduce conflicts in society, and create understanding about the government's policies that give clear results. Can you not do these three or four things together, dears?" He went on to say, "If this person says, this side good, that side not good, if media keeps presenting news like that, when will our country have peace?" The general then wished the media happiness and told the journalists to "be good reporters, be quality reporters, and be lovely reporters."[82]

 

Gen Prayut pledged to use Article 44 powers to address the nation's failure to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) aviation safety standards. The prime minister placed the blame on staffing issues, noting that the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) only has 13 aviation safety inspectors.[83] The DCA employs 1,514.[84]

 

In his weekly Friday night "Returning Happiness to the People" televised broadcast of 24 April 2015, Prime Minister Gen Prayut conceded that Section 44 powers will not be enough to resolve illegal fishing issues that have prompted an EU warning and possible ban on Thai exports within the six-month period stipulated by the EU. He noted that it was a long-standing problem and that, "I cannot use Article 44 to solve every problem, I cannot use it to solve expensive lemons, to solve the economy or to solve the ICAO aviation safety concern problem. Section 44 is just for allowing military officers to do what they could not do in the past." During the same program, the prime minister reported progress on tackling forest encroachment, saying the government had reclaimed more than 35 million rai (56,000 km2) of illegally occupied public forests.[85]

 

At an anti-corruption event in Bangkok on 8 June 2015,[86] Prayut vowed to eliminate corruption and repair Thailand's tarnished international image.[87] At one point, responding to media questions, he stated, "Don't try to fool me and act like you can do or say anything 'because we are a democracy....'" "Do you misunderstand something? Today, I am the one makes the rules. Previous governments couldn't do that. But today, I made the rules [sic], and all of you have to follow them."[88]

 

Speaking to a visiting group of young Thais who were raised abroad, Prime Minister Prayut said, "...many groups try...to compare our monarchy with other nations. This cannot be done, because our [monarchy] has a long, ancient history. They [Thai monarchs] are like deities. Our King is not involved with anyone. He is above all disputes. When someone violates him, we need to use Section 112 of the Criminal Codes, which is like a libel law, because whenever someone insults us, we can sue them, but if it's the monarchy, [the royal family] cannot sue them. This is because His Majesty is not involved with anyone, and he is under the constitution, and under every law that the government has created to protect him. Yet, people see it as human rights issue. Let me ask you: if someone insults your father, would you give in? We wouldn't. But if it happens to our parents, they can sue. But since His Majesty the King is not involved, he cannot sue, and who would take care of him? Thai people have to. Whoever doesn't understand this is not a Thai. They are awful. This is a sensitive matter. I would like to ask the audience to explain that the monarchy of Thailand is not like the monarchy in any other country."[89]

 

In a speech launching the Discover Thainess 2015 festival, Prayut declared that disagreeing with his vision "...was incompatible with the very nature of 'Thainess'. 'Whoever causes chaos to Thailand or disrupts peace and order, they should not be recognised as Thais, because Thais do not destroy each other,...The charm of the Thai people is that they look lovely even when they do nothing, because they have smiles,...'”[41]
"If seafood is expensive then don't eat it. Leave it to the wealthy. I cannot ensure equality in this manner. If you want to eat expensive items then you must work hard and find a lot of money....We cannot pull everyone to the same level."[90]

 

Announcing the Public Assembly Act, which took effect on 13 August 2015, Gen Prayut said the law requires that protesters apply for permission from police for rallies at least 24 hours in advance. It bans all demonstrations within 150 m (500 ft) of Government House, parliament, royal palaces, and courthouses unless authorised by authorities. It also bars protesters from blocking entrances or creating a disturbance at government offices, airports, seaports, train and bus stations, hospitals, schools, and embassies. "This law will be strictly enforced to prevent the type of nuisance and violence that happened in the past," Prayuth told reporters. "It's not possible to have it all—happiness, equality, democracy—without giving us the tools."[91]

 

A bomb exploded at Bangkok's Erawan Shrine on 17 August 2015, killing 20 and injuring 125 persons. Commenting on the search for those responsible, Prime Minister Prayut, who had earlier rejected an offer of investigative help from the US, suggested that Thailand's senior police educate themselves about how to investigate the bombing by watching Blue Bloods, a fictional New York Police crime series. "Police investigators, especially the national police chiefs, should watch this series," Prayut told journalists. "They will get tips, ideas and insights into their case."[92]

 

The prime minister said in an August 2015 press conference that politicians have no right to criticise the new, draft constitution. Rival politicians have urged the National Reform Council to reject the new charter, citing numerous defects. "They have no right to suggest that to anyone." Prayut told reporters. "Why do the media give a platform to these people?...These people, now that they are being harsh to me, I will have to be harsh in return,...There's no need for a prohibition [gag order] now. But when the time comes, I will deal with them," Prayut said. "Today I have to teach people to think....Today we are still stuck in the trap of democracy, a trap of conflicts," he fumed. "We still let emotions dictate our judgment. We have to fix these issues."[93]

 

In November 2015, he was quoted "If they want to engage in activism or whatever, it’s up to them. If they aren’t afraid of the laws, it’s up to them, and if someone finds a gun and shoot them, or throws grenades at them, well, they have to live with that. If they aren’t afraid, it’s up to them."[94]

 

Unveiling the government's 2015 year-end assessment of its achievements during the year, Prime Minister Prayut denied that his government committed human rights abuses against its critics. He said that detentions of activists were the fault of his opponents for protesting against his rule. "The law says you can't do this and yet they still do it,..." he lamented. Prayut's government pointed to a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office which found that 99.3 percent of 2,700 Thais surveyed were satisfied with the government's performance.[95]

 

In the event showcasing governmental achievements in 2015, PM Prayut told his top supporters that it is "...up to the middle class to swarm to the polls and defeat the poor who are just after government handouts....If they [political parties] use the same old campaign strategy, they will come [to power] with the votes of the poor who want more money to make their life better," he said. "The people in the middle- and upper income ranges have to...cast their votes in national polls and the charter referendum too."[96] During the same week he disparaged the poor looking for handouts, the government announced a slate of "New Year's gifts" to the populace. These included tax breaks on purchases made between 25–31 December, toll-free expressways, and discounted appliances and other governmental largesse.[97]

 

On 25 December 2015 Prime Minister Prayut said that he would no longer put up with criticisms from "irresponsible newspaper columnists" and had instructed officials to invite them for "talks". He said the media should not accuse him of depriving them of free expression as he had already made clear to them the limits of free expression and media responsibilities.[98]
"Why don't people respect the laws instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time?...No one is allowed to oppose [the NCPO]. I dare you to try to oppose [the NCPO]...I don't care what the international community would think about this. I will send officials to explain to foreign embassies. I am not afraid of them. I will tell them to understand that this is Thailand and we are enforcing Thai laws."[99]

 

Speaking at a vocational training gathering on 29 January 2015, Prayut veered off-topic and launched into a discussion of gender roles. "Everybody's saying that we should create equality, women and men should have the same rights, should be able to do the same good and bad things—if that's the case, if that's how you think, Thai society will deteriorate!" He went on, "Women are the gender of motherhood, the gender of giving birth. When you return home...who is it? Who has a wife? Isn't the wife looking after the home? At home she's the big boss, isn't she? Outside I'm the boss—at work, everywhere I have lots of authority. When I return home, I have to be quiet because she's looking after the home, the kids, everything in the house. I haven't done anything at home since we married, she's doing everything."[100]

 

In the final week of March 2016, Prayut attended a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC. While there, he granted an interview to the Thai section of the Voice of America. In the interview, Prayut charged that disaffected politicians who had fled Thailand following the May 2014 coup had hired lobbyists in the US to spread propaganda discrediting his government. He cited fabricated lies that his government had murdered 400-500 journalists and had imprisoned thousands of Thai citizens. This in spite of the fact that there are no reports of such stories in the media.[101][102]

 

Matichon Online reported on Tuesday, 12 April 2016, that Prayut, before a cabinet meeting, greeted people with his convivial wishes for the Songkran holiday. Prayut urged Thais to wear traditional Thai costumes for the holiday and to refrain from baring too much of their bodies during the festival. According to Prayut, "...women are like candies or desserts which should be wrapped nicely..." because people will not buy unwrapped candies or desserts.[103] "During Songkran, I ask that women wear proper clothes, Thai style, so they would look good and civilized," said Prayuth, a father of two daughters. He asserted that women "are like toffee or candy," which people would shun if already unwrapped.[104]

 

Speaking of the draft constitution, on 19 April 2016, Prayut said, "They [critics] have no rights to say that they disagree [with the draft constitution]...I don't allow anyone to debate or hold a press conference about the draft constitution. Yet they still disobey my orders. They will be arrested and jailed for 10 years. No one will be exempted when the Referendum Act becomes effective [after publication in the Royal Gazette]. Not even the media. Why don’t people respect the law instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time?"[105]

 

On 11 July 2016, Prayut said that if the August draft constitution referendum were to be voted down, he would draft another by himself, adding that he could do anything since he has survived military parachute training. "If things remain unsettled, I will draft it [the constitution] myself,...There is nothing in this world I can’t do. As a soldier, I've been through a lot, risking my life so many times. When I was in the infantry...I underwent parachute training. I had to jump and land by myself. Once I deployed the parachute, I knew that I can do anything."[106][107] The following day Prayut retracted his statement, attributing it to a slip of the tongue. He blamed the media for highlighting his thoughtless words and putting him in a bad mood.[108]

 

On 10 February 2017, Prayut asked the public not to be obsessed with democracy, rights, and liberties. He said people should take into consideration other principles, especially existing laws, to find "proper logic". He stated that the government cannot be swayed by the public's feelings. Gen Prayut said that societal conflicts arise from social and economic disparity and an educational system that fails to instill a proper way of thinking.[109]

 

On 9 December 2017, Prayut, speaking at an event to mark international Anti-Corruption Day, said that he has no tolerance for graft and said that Thai citizens should have zero tolerance for graft.[110]

 

On 12 December 2017, Prayut defended Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, blaming the media for asking questions about possible improprieties in order to divide Prayut and Prawit. Prawit was in the media spotlight for being seen wearing a watch and ring worth millions of baht. Prayut said that, "Many people target him [Prawit], and want him to be divided from me. You [the media] all know this very well....If nobody is beside me,...I will be fiercer. I will fully exercise my power," he said.[111]

 

In January 2018 Prayut attributed the success of Thailand's tourism industry to the country's stability. "Under my administration, the country is peaceful and stable, attracting larger numbers of tourists every year," he said.[112]
In response to a Gambian minister's off-hand remark that "If you want a sex destination, you go to Thailand" Prayut said, "We have to help make Pattaya and other tourism areas quality tourist attractions and free of this [sex tourism]". He went on to add that some people work in the sex business as they "follow the fashion of buying luxury goods", presumably referring to watches, high-end automobiles, designer apparel and luggage, and the like.[113]

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayut_Chan-o-cha

 

 

Blah blah blah. This guy truly comes across as crass, arrogant and very, very stupid.

 

Ooh Thailand, is he really your PM?

 

Ain't you lucky?

 

 

[Sir Dude]

The UK will just roll out the standard answer of "We don't comment on individual cases."

[eggers]

It's a sad state of affairs, billions of baht were either stolen/misappropriated  by corrupt politicians, namely Yingluck & Co,  at the expense of Thai citizens, farmers & others trying to eke out a meagre living in most cases!!

Her Puppeteer brother is no better, he also pilfered his fellow citizens; just a total sleaze bag fugitive for over 10 years!!  ...

In general, seems more & more politicians worldwide are corrupt pack of self - interested, sloths stealing from their country's citizens & they get away with it!! 

[Pattaya28]

LOL. They had her in Thailand and let her escape.

Cannot make this stuff up !!

[AGareth2]

have they thought of looking in the telephone directory

[connda]

Thai authorities:  Why Interpol no tell us Yingluck address? We ask for Blue Notice.  <indignation>
UK authorities: Her 'address' is The UK.  The media informed you she has a 10 UK visa.  Interpol notification would be redundant.  Get over it.  <wink wink, nod nod>

Edited June 2, 2018 by connda

[8OA8]

2 hours ago, candide said:

Well, it confirms they never tried to get a red notice on her.

 

Now, why do they make so much noise about getting her address? If they cannot get her extradited, What's the use of getting her address? 

 

Ooops! Sorry! I forgot they are just pretending to do something. ?

They can organise Christmas cards to be sent to her once they have her address. 

 

It also may come as a bit of a surprise to the General that the UK doesn't have anything similar to the 90 Day Reporting law in place, in fact I think there's no need to provide any address in the UK ever, except when registering for a government service like a school or GP

[yellowboat]

3 hours ago, Anak Nakal said:

Yingluck laugh at Prayut!

5555555555!

???

Yes, the grand hoo ha has suffered a severe blow to his ego. 

 

He as been exceptionally quiet as of late, so he may not even address this.  Guessing he will say something like "on going", "discussions will continue".   It is a major blow to the acceptance of the military government that we all can revel in . 

[brucec64]

Did they in fact enlist the services of Interpol and will they even ask the Brit's for her address? 

They will have to wait 3 months until Yinluck does her first 90 day address report :)

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