webfact Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Prayut won’t step down as PM for poll By KAS CHANWANPEN THE NATION Four ministers of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government yesterday pose at Government House. Junta leader awaiting ‘invitation’ from parties; expects to make his decision before Feb 8. JUNTA LEADER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday vowed he would not step down as prime minister while stating clearly that if he was to return as the PM, it would be through normal means – as a candidate on a party’s list. Circumstances now clearly point to General Prayut topping the PM list of the pro-junta Phalang Pracharat Party, but the coup leader yesterday remained officially non-committal, repeating that he had not been contacted by any party. However, Prayut seemed to keep his options open, saying: “I am waiting for invitations. And I need time to study their policy proposals and their practicality. If I am to join them, I have to see their policies.” He said he expected to make his decision by February 8, the date when the Election Commission (EC) requires PM-candidate lists to be submitted by parties. He was much clearer on two other matters – that he will not give up his premiership during the election period, and he will not return to power as an “outsider” PM. “Don’t press me now,” Prayut said. “Who will do this if I quit? I will stay no matter what. The law doesn’t say I have to leave. I can stay until the new government is in place.” If he were to return as the premier, Prayut said, “I have to be on the list. Let’s just say that. Otherwise, they’ll say I’m an outsider [PM]. It’ll just get too chaotic if I am not on the list.” With the election fast approaching and the strong possibility of Prayut keeping his hold on power after the polls, critics are calling for the PM to step down to ensure a fair election. If he stays on during the lead-up to polling day and before the new government takes office, political observers say the regime will use its absolute power and current status to manipulate the poll. They said the government could conveniently use the government’s major “Pracharat” scheme, which shares the same keyword as the pro-junta party “Phalang Pracharat”, to gain popularity over other parties. This criticism was especially severe when the government handed out cash to low-income earners as a New Year gift. Also, mobile Cabinet meetings have been held in different provinces, allowing Prayut to meet with voters and respond to their demands. State resources should not be exploited for the gains of a particular party, critics said. In a worst-case scenario, given that the junta enjoys absolute power allowed by Article 44, political scientists have voiced concern that Prayut could use his absoute power to do anything – including cancelling the election altogether. Attasit Pankaew, a political scientist from Thammasat University, warned yesterday that these criticisms would put much pressure on Prayut unless he steps down now. “Of course, if Prayut is on the PM-candidate list and refuses to give up power, he has to bear the criticism that he is abusing state power for his own political gain,” Attasit said. Questions about whether the election is free and fair will haunt Prayut throughout the campaign, if he continued in power, Attasit said. And after the election, if the pro-junta camp comes out on top, and Prayut remained premier, questions would be raised about his victory, he added. If Prayut insists on keeping his position and power throughout the electoral campaign, the expert advised that he exercise his power discreetly to avoid public criticism that would make his premiership after the election difficult. In a related development, the four ministers who occupy key positions in the pro-junta Phalang Pracharat yesterday resigned from their positions after weeks of criticism. Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee, and PM’s |Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool bowed out. Uttama is the Phalang Pracharat leader while the other three are party executives. Prayut said he will not reshuffle the Cabinet but only assign their duties to other Cabinet members. Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30363179 -- © Copyright The Nation 2019-01-30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samui Bodoh Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 "...Don’t press me now,” Prayut said. “Who will do this if I quit? I will stay no matter what. The law doesn’t say I have to leave. I can stay until the new government is in place..” Wah! What a Grumpy-pants! Someone needs a few tokes and a hug... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justgrazing Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 22 minutes ago, webfact said: Don’t press me now,” Prayut said. “Who will do this if I quit? Is he offering himself up on some non existent altar of indisposability with that one .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prissana Pescud Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Learned his lines from Russian politics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaiwrath Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 37 minutes ago, webfact said: Questions about whether the election is free and fair will haunt Prayut throughout the campaign, if he continued in power, Attasit said. As the out and out narcissist he is, does anyone think he gives two <deleted> hoots ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannot Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 44 minutes ago, webfact said: that he is abusing state power he is already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oziex1 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Does he really care about policies? Him and his cronies seem a little light on policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 Prayut rules out cabinet reshuffle, says will return to power only through election Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today there will be no cabinet reshuffle following the resignations of four ministers who are core members of the pro-junta Palang Pracharat party and declared that he will seek to return to power only through election. Prayut openly ruled out the possibility that he might exploit the provisional clause of the Constitution to be re-appointed prime minister with the support of the junta-controlled Senate. But again, he stopped short of committing himself to aligning with any particular political party in the upcoming election, saying that he was waiting for a formal “invitation.” “I already have an answer in my mind. But I need to see its policies first,” he said, explaining that he would have to see whether the policies of the party he would join are compatible with his. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prayut-rules-out-cabinet-reshuffle-says-will-return-to-power-only-through-election/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2019-01-30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesofa Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 1 hour ago, webfact said: Prayut rules out cabinet reshuffle, says will return to power only through election ..which he has already worked out the best way for him to rig the vote, through his new constitution designed to help himself. After all, in his mind who else is there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinneil Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Prayut was overheard saying, why should i step down, my country needs me. I am the man, and i have already fixed it that i will still be here after the mock election. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YetAnother Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 3 hours ago, webfact said: Don’t press me now,” Prayut said. “Who will do this if I quit? I will stay no matter what. The law doesn’t say I have to leave. I can stay until the new government is in place.” a self-styled, self-appointed god; his megalomania,arrogance and ego would never allow him to give an inch; as much as anything why he is far from a good candidate for that job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatOngo Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 5 minutes ago, YetAnother said: a self-styled, self-appointed god; his megalomania,arrogance and ego would never allow him to give an inch; as much as anything why he is far from a good candidate for that job Hail! The Messiah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YetAnother Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 1 hour ago, webfact said: “I already have an answer in my mind. But I need to see its policies first,” he said, 'i have decided but i have not decided'; using words to say nothing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREM-R Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 14 minutes ago, PatOngo said: Hail! The Messiah. "He's not the messiah......he's just a very naughty boy!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesofa Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 38 minutes ago, PatOngo said: 44 minutes ago, YetAnother said: a self-styled, self-appointed god; his megalomania,arrogance and ego would never allow him to give an inch; as much as anything why he is far from a good candidate for that job Hail! The Messiah. I think you must mean: "Hail the very naughty boy, not the messiah." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mok199 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 thumbs up,as they poison us with flithy polluted air ,lawlessness and corruption.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ossy Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 3 hours ago, webfact said: “Don’t press me now,” Prayut said. “Who will do this if I quit? I will stay no matter what. Never in the history of man has an individual's self-worth been so over-blown. As for his 'Who will do this if I quit question?', just a pity that with his 44-Magnum by his side, no reporter was brave enough to shout out . . . "A monkey could do better than you, you over-egged pudding." Yes, that might have shut him up . . . for a minute, at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djayz Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Clinging on to power... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesofa Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 12 minutes ago, Ossy said: Never in the history of man has an individual's self-worth been so over-blown. As for his 'Who will do this if I quit question?', just a pity that with his 44-Magnum by his side, no reporter was brave enough to shout out . . . "A monkey could do better than you, you over-egged pudding." Yes, that might have shut him up . . . for a minute, at least. Over-egged pudding! I had to google that, I've never heard it before - an excellent phrase! If there's anyone over-egging the pudding it's self-inflicted. How many in their right mind (ego-man excluded) would admit to it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AhFarangJa Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 4 hours ago, webfact said: Prayut won’t step down as PM for poll Of course not, it saves him the effort of stepping back up after the poll.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowboat Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 4 hours ago, webfact said: Who will do this if I quit? If he did nothing, Thailand would be better off, so nobody is the best choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ossy Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 4 hours ago, webfact said: “I already have an answer in my mind. But I need to see its policies first,” . . . and telling you press people would only spoil my little game. Come on, you guys . . . play fair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djayz Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 I can't help but wonder (1) what'll happen IF he becomes PM after the elections (i.e. how will the general public react) and (2) what'll happen IF he's NOT made PM (i.e. how's he going to react). Either way, it could get ugly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katipo Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Me thinks he's terrified that if he does step down the country would realise how little they need him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ossy Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 5 minutes ago, djayz said: I can't help but wonder (1) what'll happen IF he becomes PM after the elections (i.e. how will the general public react) and (2) what'll happen IF he's NOT elected (i.e. how's he going to react). 2 good Q's, djayz, but this guy will probably tell you . . . https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KBX3JXM And I think he's pretty well on the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Loh Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 5 hours ago, webfact said: Prayut won’t step down as PM for poll You didn't really step up too. Any general can seize power with force. To step up, you really need to be elected. Now kindly step out and close the door gently and no one know that you have gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klauskunkel Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 4 hours ago, webfact said: there will be no cabinet reshuffle following the resignations of four ministers which proves that ministers are not necessity but a luxury Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkdenver Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 There is one very apt word that rhymes seamlessly with his name and I think 90% of the nation would agree with it LOL Prayut the P&^%. I know for one my wife does LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Srikcir Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 6 hours ago, webfact said: The law doesn’t say I have to leave. I can stay until the new government is in place.” I hope the Thai electorate hears and understands these two statements - it summarizes Prayut's contempt for democracy. Using Article 44 he can decide whether the election results are valid, can decide whether an elected PM is appropriate, can decide whether the nominees for the PM's cabinet are qualified, etc. and ultimately decide whether he will unilaterally continue as PM. All perfectly legal according to the juntas' Constitutional Courts. For the Honor of the Nation, Prayut should either recuse himself from the next election or vacate his position as PM and place his government into "caretaker" status that must be politically neutral and unbiased with regard to the election process. Failure to perform the latter should result in disqualification of all pro-military political parties from the election - assuming the Election Commission had the courage to carry out its electoral responsibilities like an Independent Organization. Prayut's refusal to solve the junta's contrived political conflicts with the electoral process will and has caused national conflicts and potentially endangered security of the nation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the guest Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 ... and who do you have in mind to do a better job? Democracy sounds very fancy, but the reality is that issues remain the same. The army will always be in power (albeit behind the scenes) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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