Thai junta chief touts economy, coy on candidacy as elections loom

[rooster59]

Thai junta chief touts economy, coy on candidacy as elections loom

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha speaks during a news conference on the Fourth Year Performance Report at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, February 1, 2019. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The leader of Thailand's military government on Friday credited the junta with restoring a strong economic footing and called for "continuity", but he stopped short of saying whether he will be a candidate in long-delayed elections set for March 24.

 

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has expressed interest in entering politics but has not formally said whether he would stand in the general election.

 

In an almost two-hour speech broadcast live from Government House in Bangkok, Prayuth said his government had laid the foundation for long-term development.

 

He noted that Thailand had economic growth of only 1 percent at the time the military took power, in 2014, while central bank projections for 2018 growth are 4.2 percent.

 

"There must be continuity in the country's development," Prayuth said.

 

"In the past when new (governments) come in they start new things, this is not good, they should continue old policies."

 

The military government introduced legislation in 2017 establishing a 20-year framework for development strategy.

Critics say the legislation gives the military and bureaucracy a say in politics at the expense of elected officials.

 

The military, which seized power in a May 2014 coup, has blamed short-term populist policies introduced by previous civilian governments as a source of more than a decade of political instability.

 

The pro-military Palang Pracharat Party, which was co-founded by four of Prayuth's former cabinet ministers, has said it is contesting the polls with the aim of continuing the work of the military government.

 

On Friday, the party leadership formally invited Prayuth to become their top prime ministerial candidate, but the former army chief was coy about whether he would take up the offer.

 

"To accept or not accept, it is up to their policies and whether I am OK with them," Prayuth said in his speech, referring to the party.

 

"If I'm OK, then we can stay together ... but if not, I'll stay home."

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-02-012

 

[YetAnother]

22 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

credited the junta with restoring a strong economic footing and called for "continuity"

Politicians, the dregs of society

[sammieuk1]

Sure the top 10% would agree with his every word of strong economic footing whilst standing on the 90% that don't ????

[Eligius]

He just spouts any old nonsense as he goes along. He could just as easily say: 'The prediction this year is for 150% growth in the economy' - and no one would dare to contradict him (some would actually believe him).

 

And we all know that this guy is NOT going to vacate the political stage (yes, it is all theatre). The Thais have made their bed for the past 5 years and they will continue to lie on it. They are wedded to Prayut (out of pusillanimity) - and the vast majority will not make the REAL effort required to get divorced from him!

 

Prayut (and/or the group he embodies) are here to stay!

 

[Chang_paarp]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

 

In an almost two-hour speech broadcast live from Government House in Bangkok, Prayuth said his government had laid the foundation for long-term development.

 

Another non election speech at tax payer expense.

[Cadbury]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

Thai junta chief touts economy, coy on candidacy

Unfortunately he is unable to disguise his contrived coyness. His people are not that stupid even though he treats them as such.

In any case should he accept candidacy it is likely his junta electioneering caravan (mobile cabinet meetings) will grind to a halt as will his populist cash handouts. He will leave his announcement to the last minute.

[Chris Lawrence]

If he is not, who then!

 

Very 1984 background.

 

I like Cadbury's quote on his page about Einstein. The General appears to be relying on stupidity. See I would have put one more infinite subject. Arrogance. "the arrogance of this man is astounding" So is this then a quality or a defect of character. You be the judge.

[Lupatria]

6 hours ago, rooster59 said:

"There must be continuity in the country's development," Prayuth said.

 

"In the past when new (governments) come in they start new things, this is not good, they should continue old policies."

Like in the past 5 years?

 

555 old policies. I'm sure this is the first time Thaksin agrees with him.

[Justgrazing]

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

In an almost two-hour speech broadcast live from Government House in Bangkok, Prayuth said his government had laid the foundation for long-term development.

I'll bet that was riveting ..

 

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

He noted that Thailand had economic growth of only 1 percent at the time the military took power, in 2014, while central bank projections for 2018 growth are 4.2 percent

Thats the thing with statistics .. You can conjure up all sorts of figures to suit you're argument .. But equally the other side of the coin will be different .. Its out there on the 'net , numerous analyst's are suggesting nearer 3.5 % and maybe lower for 2019 .. Not forgetting the effect the pollution issue in Bangkok which has been well covered by Int' News Org's may have on Thailand's economy .. 

And is he serious about being able to morph from a Military man into an accomplished Statesman capable of leading Thailand into the future .. Temperament alone it could be said is enough to rule him out before you even move onto 'erm qualifications .. 

[madmitch]

8 hours ago, rooster59 said:

"In the past when new (governments) come in they start new things, this is not good, they should continue old policies."

Then what's the point of having a <deleted> election then!

[chama]

4 hours ago, madmitch said:

Then what's the point of having a <deleted> election then!

Don't worry, that won't be an issue. He is not all that clever but it's clear he has a plan to stay in office. The only change will be an increase in his abuse of the Thai people.

[Basil B]

A election looming, I assume the banknote printers are working overtime.

[yellowboat]

Out of touch.  Most Thais feel that the economy is not that great, unless you are the super rich.  Of course, he has the top one percent vote.  He is about as interesting as moldy bread. 

[window]

Talk to any Thai Rich or poor and they'll tell you the Economy is not in Good shape.