Successful Thai cave rescue a boost for junta chief as election looms

[snoop1130]

Successful Thai cave rescue a boost for junta chief as election looms

By Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Panarat Thepgumpanat

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha gestures with acting Chiang Rai province governor Narongsak Osatanakorn during a meeting at the Tham Luang cave complex where schoolboys and their soccer coach are trapped inside in Chiang Rai, Thailand, July 9, 2018. Picture taken July 9, 2018. Thailand Government House/Handout via REUTERS

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - "Hooyah! Hooyah!" Thailand's junta chief, Prayuth Chan-ocha, was greeted with a rousing cheer when he inspected the operation to rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave this week.

 

Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit, hundreds of military personnel and foreign rescuers took part in the gripping, 17-day mission to save the boys trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave in the northern province of Chiang Rai, and the navy's morale-boosting "Hooyah" became a rallying cry for the mission.

 

The rescue, which ended on Tuesday with all 13 brought out safely, has been greeted with joy around the world, and at home it has, for now at least, united in a glow of goodwill a country divided by politics for years.

 

The success of the military-led operation could help Prayuth, who, as army chief, launched a 2014 coup that ousted a civilian government, burnish his image in the approach to a general election that some Thais hope will see the austere military veteran emerge as chief of a new civilian government.

 

The happy ending to the rescue could not have come at a better time.

 

The efficiency of the operation stands in contrast to the slow pace of reforms, which the junta promised when it took power. Opinion polls this year showed the prime minister's popularity had dropped from a year earlier.

 

"It does help his popularity," said Kan Yuenyong, head of the independent Siam Intelligence Unit think-tank, said of Prayuth, 64, who also met relatives of the boys when he visited the cave on Monday, hours after a second group of them had been brought out safely.

 

"Once this many soldiers come out to help, people view the army as a reliable unit. People still view Prayuth as a soldier."

 

Prayuth, who has repeatedly delayed a general election he first promised for 2015, has come under pressure in recent months to hold the vote.

 

Anti-government protesters have rallied intermittently since the beginning of the year, even though such gatherings are officially banned, including some of the biggest demonstrations since the junta took power.

 

The election is due to be held by May next year.

 

Kan compared the cave rescue to a 2011 flood disaster that killed more than 900 people.

 

Then also the military waded in, at times chest-deep, to rescue villagers and deliver aid, a clear illustration of decisive action in a country where the average civilian official rarely inspires adulation.

 

"We lack civilian specialists so when there is a crisis in this country, we turn to the army," Kan said.

 

'WITH HEART'

 

Defence ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich said about 2,000 military personnel were involved in the cave mission, and he brushed aside any suggestion anyone was even thinking about a popularity boost.

 

"It is about love, generosity and the harmony of the Thai people ... and the efforts of all parties who wanted to overcome a natural disaster," Kongcheep said.

 

"This is not about the military's popularity. Soldiers did this with heart."

 

The Thai armed forces portray themselves as the ultimate defender of the monarchy and many coups have been launched in the name of the king.

 

The monarchy's presence was visible throughout the rescue and officials involved in the mission repeatedly praised the help given by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 65, who sent kitchen trucks and staff to help feed rescuers.

 

The palace also donated lights and other equipment.

 

"Such an operation could not have been achieved unless there is the unity of effort exerted by all in a disciplined manner," the king said in a July 4 letter.

 

Prayuth enjoys significant popularity in Bangkok, where middle-class voters are wary of the opposition loyal to former populist premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is despised by the military-dominated establishment.

 

Thaksin, from the northern city of Chiang Mai, has traditionally won votes in poorer communities in the northeast and north, like the one the boys come from, where the rescue will inevitably be viewed as a plus for the government.

 

"This is a success for this government plain and simple," said Sao Pancharoen, 58, a volunteer from Chiang Rai.

 

Despite the success, the military government is unlikely to try to take advantage of the good mood to bring forward the election, in which it hopes Thaksin's influence will finally be overcome.

 

"I don't think they would move forward the general election just because of this cave victory. They have their schedule," Kan said.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-7-11

[darksidedog]

I dont recall Prayut doing anything of note that helped the rescue. Very brave people on the front line, many from overseas did it. To see politicians, especially unelected ones trying to take glory and advance their positions, though such a miraculous rescue makes me sick.

[Thechook]

How can this be a boost for Prayuth?  The governor has already claimed praise and acknowledgement for rescuing the boys.  He said on TV his leadership and command of the operation and getting the boys out is his greatest achievement.

Edited July 11, 2018 by Thechook

[AlexRich]

To be fair to Prayuth, he didn’t milk it or try to interfere with the Governor. It may be a bit cynical, but perhaps he preferred to distance himself from a potential tragedy. The Thai authorities made the right calls, invited outside experts to help the cause, and let those who knew what they were doing plan the operation. If Prayuth collects a little star dust along the way I won’t bregudge him.

[Thailand]

How many people died at sea in Phuket?

[kevvy]

26 minutes ago, Thechook said:

How can this be a boost for Prayuth?  The governor has already claimed praise and acknowledgement for rescuing the boys.  He said on TV his leadership and command of the operation and getting the boys out is his greatest achievement.

one of his greatest ,the other is stopping corruption in Chiangrai . sad to see him go  because he was doing his job

Edited July 11, 2018 by kevvy

[tomta]

He might not be so popular if this article gets any airtime -probably won't though. Nor will Aupong, the Interior Ministry https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/why-the-hero-of-the-thai-cave-rescue-was-demoted-20180709-p4zqe1.html

[BestB]

37 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

I dont recall Prayut doing anything of note that helped the rescue. Very brave people on the front line, many from overseas did it. To see politicians, especially unelected ones trying to take glory and advance their positions, though such a miraculous rescue makes me sick.

Exactly , he was not involved in any of the stages.

 

No doubt he will try to get credit for it , hence all hush hush to make a big show with him present but I thibk

most people are well aware of the truth and this will only bite him in the back side 

[rkidlad]

46 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

I dont recall Prayut doing anything of note that helped the rescue. Very brave people on the front line, many from overseas did it. To see politicians, especially unelected ones trying to take glory and advance their positions, though such a miraculous rescue makes me sick.

Did you not see the picture above of him pointing at a map?

[Wilsonandson]

He's done very well, leave him alone. His skills as a politician have improved, he must be getting help from his actor and actress chums. He'll make a great elected Prime Minister one day. Ow, bless him, our beloved leader, shame there wasn't a baby to kiss. We love you Big P. It's been a great 4 years in Camp Thailand. Mission complete, time to join the privy council, keep a grip on the reigns of power.

 

Attention!

Edited July 11, 2018 by Wilsonandson

[evadgib]

55 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

I dont recall Prayut doing anything of note that helped the rescue. Very brave people on the front line, many from overseas did it. To see politicians, especially unelected ones trying to take glory and advance their positions, though such a miraculous rescue makes me sick.

Especially when there's an ongoing 40+ victim boat accident being eclipsed elsewhere in the kingdom.

[Wilsonandson]

 

"Okay, Ready Prime Minister?"

"Ready"

"Right, now hold her, hold her, look sad, and cut. We got it"

"Here Prime Minister, Well done! Have some durian"

Edited July 11, 2018 by Wilsonandson

[tumama]

1 hour ago, Thechook said:

How can this be a boost for Prayuth?  The governor has already claimed praise and acknowledgement for rescuing the boys.  He said on TV his leadership and command of the operation and getting the boys out is his greatest achievement.

 

Because it unites Thailand. Takes the focus off their corrupt handling of the country. 

[Deli]

14 hours ago, Thailand said:

How many people died at sea in Phuket?

Less then during the floods in Japan

[Eric Loh]

Will be a boost and he may possibly win the election if held tomorrow or latest by the weekend. Don't delay any longer. Chok dee mak mak. 

[Artisi]

14 hours ago, rkidlad said:

Did you not see the picture above of him pointing at a map?

well pointing is very important ….

[ballpoint]

It was certainly a change from the xenophobic "The UN is not my father" PM Thailand had at the time of the tsunami, who resisted any attempts to bring in outside experience and help.

[cornishcarlos]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The election is due to be held by May next year.

 

Thought it was February !!! Confirmed now as May, is it ??

 

Liars liars liars

[Artisi]

15 hours ago, kevvy said:

one of his greatest ,the other is stopping corruption in Chiangrai . sad to see him go  because he was doing his job

the ex-governor of Chiang Rai  Narongsak needs promoting, not side-lined and he would be a great candidate to run as PM in the coming elections - he should have a good base of supporters after the great job undertaken in the rescue,  that's of course he hasn't reached retirement age by this time :) 

[BobbyL]

If he's claiming this for victory, then he also needs claim responsibility for the 50+ deaths in Phuket recently.

 

Maybe add in the 100s that die on the road each week seeing as his 'government' should be desperately trying to rectify that issue. 

[Eligius]

16 hours ago, darksidedog said:

I dont recall Prayut doing anything of note that helped the rescue. Very brave people on the front line, many from overseas did it. To see politicians, especially unelected ones trying to take glory and advance their positions, though such a miraculous rescue makes me sick.

The superb rescue of the boys and their coach happened despite Prayut, not because of him. He did nothing substantial to help - and when he visited the boys in hospital he actually (can you believe this) exhorted them 'to be good citizens'.

They could teach him a thing or fifty about being a truly good and courageous citizen ...!

[wildewillie89]

16 hours ago, darksidedog said:

I dont recall Prayut doing anything of note that helped the rescue. Very brave people on the front line, many from overseas did it. To see politicians, especially unelected ones trying to take glory and advance their positions, though such a miraculous rescue makes me sick.

Did he even take the glory for it? Looking at his thank you speech, he just talked about how it was a great thing for all walks of life to come together to achieve a common goal. Then went on to thank the people who were involved (both Thai and foreign), and express his sympathy for the diver who died.

Most disasters/truamatic events will naturally boost a governments position (regardless of country). Many politicians go to elections right after disasters because of this. If the junta do not do this, as it seems they will not, then wouldn't it show the direct opposite of what you say. That he is not trying to take glory or advance his position?

Yeah, we get it, many do not like the guy, but we really should be looking at the situation for what it is rather than let our own negative views take over us.   

Edited July 12, 2018 by wildewillie89

[Eric Loh]

56 minutes ago, ballpoint said:

It was certainly a change from the xenophobic "The UN is not my father" PM Thailand had at the time of the tsunami, who resisted any attempts to bring in outside experience and help.

He made that statement in 2003. The tsunami was in 2005. By the way, he resisted grants for re-building post tsunami. Lots of foreign help during the tsunami which he headed the recovery and relief operation. 

[impulse]

For better of for worse, we'll never really know what his contribution was.  His job isn't to be on the front line, or picking up a shovel.  It's to make sure the best people are on location and that they get the resources needed.  That all happens in the background, and in the back rooms.  He may be 3 layers removed from the maelstrom.  As long as the vast team of people reporting to him are getting the job done, he just needs to let them, stay out of their way and make sure there are no impediments to getting what they need when they need it.

 

He's the coach.  Not the quarterback.  As long as it's a win...

[Thailand]

1 hour ago, Deli said:

Less then during the floods in Japan

Is little p pm of Japan as well?

[hansnl]

17 hours ago, tomta said:

He might not be so popular if this article gets any airtime -probably won't though. Nor will Aupong, the Interior Ministry  https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/why-the-hero-of-the-thai-cave-rescue-was-demoted-20180709-p4zqe1.html

Maybe he was demoted deservedly go earlier actions.

But he did well in the cave business.

[Lupatria]

I wish one of the heroic rescue divers would challenge him and run for PM in this so called "election". They know and proved how it is to sacrifice for the wellbeing of other humans.

[Oziex1]

For goodness sake, Prayut and his cronies do not need any popular support from Thais or anyone.

 

The election is paid for rigged and tailored to see that he wins.

[holy cow cm]

Show boating on people’s feelings. Pathetic. Perhaps he would take candy from a baby, let it cry and then give it back just to get that photo of the baby smiling from his doing. 

[steve73]

23 hours ago, evadgib said:

Especially when there's an ongoing 40+ victim boat accident being eclipsed elsewhere in the kingdom.

Don't forget the 70 odd deaths on the road every day... probably at least the same number of them children as there were stuck in the cave... Now is the time to focus on priorities - while the whole world is watching.