"Where's the Government Now?" Army Chief Asks Reporters

[Lite Beer]

"Where's the Government Now?" Army Chief Asks Reporters

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — In a press briefing today on the military's rationale for declaring martial law, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army took an aggressive tone with reporters who asked him about the country's future.

"Didn't you hear what I just said?" Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha lashed at a reporter when she asked him how long martial law was expected to last. "When peace and safety returned to the country, when there's stability, we will repeal the martial laws," the army commander-in-chief answered.

When another reporter asked whether the declaration of the martial law means the military can now wield authority without the government's approval, Gen. Prayuth responded, "Where is the government? Where are they now?"

He continued, "Let me put it this way, I will let the officials work. I won't be interfering with the government. The army and bureaucrats will continue to work. Don't worry. Things are still normal in this country. We will try not to violate human rights — too much. We will try not to cause inconvenience to the public."

The press conference is the first time Gen. Prayuth, who is now chairman of the recently-installed Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC), spoke publicly since the martial law was unexpectedly invoked at 3:00 a.m. this morning.

Prior to the press conference, Gen. Prayuth met with state officials and heads of government agencies at the Army Club on Viphavadee Road, which the POMC has adopted as a temporary headquarters, to discuss the solutions for the current political crisis.

Gen. Prayuth also insisted that putting the country under martial law was necessary to prevent possible "bloodshed" between pro- and anti-government protesters who are both rallying in the capital city.

On Saturday, the anti-government People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) announced plans to launch "one last fight" to topple the government of caretaker Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn and replace it with an unelected "People's Council" headed by an appointed "nonpartisan" PM.

The Redshirts, who have been organising their own rally on Aksa Avenue in western Bangkok, adamantly oppose the plan and have warned to "escalate" their protests if an unelected Prime Minister is installed.

To defuse the conflict between the rival protest groups, Gen. Prayuth said the army may summon both groups to meet with the military for a dialogue aimed at resolving their disputes.

When a reporter asked Gen. Prayuth when the meeting will occur, he responded,"They will come here anyway whenever I tell them to.”

He added, "I will summon all sides. All sides. We will talk with all sides. Don't ask me what sides we will talk to. We will summon all sides. That's why we need power under martial laws, okay? Otherwise who would listen to us?"

The caretaker government has yet to publicly respond to the military's declaration of the martial law.

An abbreviated transcript of the Q&A between Gen. Prayuth and reporters:
(You can watch the video in Thai here)

Reporter: Commander, what is the time frame of the martial laws?

General Prayuth Chan-oha: Didn't you hear what I just said? When peace and safety returns to the country, when there's stability, we will repeal the martial laws.

Reporter: So if peace doesn't return in 3 or 6 months, the martial laws--

Prayuth: I don't think it would reach that point.

…

Reporter: Will the army serve as mediator and invite both sides for a dialogue?

Prayuth: That matter is still under discussion. It's something we have to do, okay? Today we invited bureaucrats for dialogue. In the future we will invite the adversaries in this conflict. We will do this under an atmosphere of peace. If there is no peace, if there are still attempts to incite violence or chaos, then there will be no way to reach understanding. Therefore, all sides must stop first. Otherwise there will be no understanding.

Reporter: Will the army invite them soon to defuse the situation?

Prayuth: They will come here anyway whenever I tell them to.

Reporter: You mean you will summon Kamnan [suthep Thaugsuban] and--

Prayuth: I will summon all sides. All sides. We will talk with all sides. Don't ask me what sides we will talk to. We will summon all sides. That's why we need power under martial laws, okay? Otherwise who would listen to us?

Reporter: What about the government, the Senate ---

Prayuth: Alright, alright, we will take it step by step. It's my business. Don't ask me everything. If you ask me everything, nothing will get done. No one can answer about the future; there are things no one can answer. Just wait and see what will happen. But I can assure you we will not let bloodshed happen in Thailand.

Reporter: Do you think there should be election?

Prayuth: I suggest you go visit a doctor and do something about your ear.

Reporter: What is the status of the government at the moment?

Prayuth: Well, you should go... You already know the answer. Why are you asking me this?

Reporter: I don't know the answer. That is why I am asking you.

Prayuth: Go ask someone who knows the answer. I am here to maintain peace and order.

Reporter: So the army can do things without having to seek approval from the government?

Prayuth: Where is the government? Where are they now? Well, they should continue working. For the country. Working. Okay, let me put it this way, I will let the officials work. I won't be interfering with the government. The army and bureaucrats will continue to work. Don't worry. Things are still normal in this country. We will try not to violate human rights -- too much. We will try not to cause inconvenience to the public. There are still many provisions in the martial laws we have not used.

Reporter: Commander, will curfew be imposed?

Prayuth: I am talking about that right now. I have not imposed it.

Reporter: Is there a possibility of curfew?

Prayuth: Do you want me to impose one? I will place a curfew on the media first. Alright, that's it. Thank you all of you. And please give your support to the military and the police.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400584078&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-20

[winstonc]

now thats tough talking taking no s--t...shame these feeble reporters didnt question ptp like that.when..they were in power..

[Prbkk]

Reminds me of my late mother in law. That's not good.

[dcutman]

Prayuth: Where is the government? Where are they now?

It was only a couple of days ago, the caretaker govt thought marshal law was a good idea. I am not so sure now.

[BigMountain]

He sounds like one of my students

[Payboy]

Prayuth: I suggest you go visit a doctor and do something about your ear.

Someone said the very same thing to Chalerm and look what happened.

[thecynic]

"We will try not to violate human rights -- too much. We will try not to cause inconvenience to the public. There are still many provisions in the martial laws we have not used."

[taony]

I was watching this press conference. He sounded like an ____ and punk, just like the rest of them. Why bother having a press conference if questions annoy you? They weren't asking annoying, leading, and silly questions like a CNN reporter might either. They were legitimate questions. At one point I think he told a reporter to go see an ear doctor. I took it to mean he considered he already answered that topic and refused to repeat himself.

[jennywren]

Hilarious first show of total lack understaning of how things work. Wonder if they need a PR guy to steer the coup through the rest of the day.

Government were busy all day with Reuters, BBC, CNN, US, EU and every Ambassador in Thailand. Check out the reports. Also busy drafting a totally legal draft for elections on 3rd August.

Be difficult now for EC not to comply with election date request now their friends have ensures safety with martial law.

So, whilst the army were posturing, taking selfies and meeting with Suthep and their backers, the Government backed them into a corner with an election date. Hilarious first day in power.

Pity the Army thought to concentrate on his smug allies!!!

Edited May 20, 2014 by jennywren

[peterb0576]

Straight to the point, Respect to Gen. Prayuth. Need Generals like him in the British Army and then maybe Britain would still have a military rather than a defence force

[nidieunimaitre]

Just when we thought we had seen it all.

A trolling general.

[DLock]

Exactly what is needed.

A no compromise leader that can bring respect, stability, safety, confidence and peace to Thailand.

The Reds should be ashamed that it had to get to this stage. Completely immoral, corrupt and self serving. They never had the Thai people at heart...ever.

[Crushdepth]

UNfucking real;

and he is in charge

Unlike the government, he's competent and not a self-serving ****.

[Mackie]

Hilarious first show of total lack understaning of how things work. Wonder if they need a PR guy to steer the coup through the rest of the day.

Government were busy all day with Reuters, BBC, CNN, US, EU and every Ambassador in Thailand. Check out the reports. Also busy drafting a totally legal draft for elections on 3rd August.

Be difficult now for EC not to comply with election date request now their friends have ensures safety with martial law.

So, whilst the army were posturing, taking selfies and meeting with Suthep and their backers, the Government backed them into a corner with an election date. Hilarious first day in power.

Pity the Army thought to concentrate on his smug allies!!!

You seem to be one of those pathetic individuals who is crying out loud right now, just because someone stepped in in the nick of time to stop psychotic red hordes from starting a civil war. He was right - what government? They lost the control of country some time ago. And might I refresh your memory, we got to this point only because UDD/Red shirts terrorists accelerated smuggling automatic weapons to Bangkok/Thailand. Get some perspective.

[phosphorescent]

He may not have been as cordial and polite as he could have been but he seems like a "get shit done" type of guy rather than a "talking about getting shit done" type of politician.

[jennywren]

Hilarious first show of total lack understaning of how things work. Wonder if they need a PR guy to steer the coup through the rest of the day.

Government were busy all day with Reuters, BBC, CNN, US, EU and every Ambassador in Thailand. Check out the reports. Also busy drafting a totally legal draft for elections on 3rd August.

Be difficult now for EC not to comply with election date request now their friends have ensures safety with martial law.

So, whilst the army were posturing, taking selfies and meeting with Suthep and their backers, the Government backed them into a corner with an election date. Hilarious first day in power.

Pity the Army thought to concentrate on his smug allies!!!

You seem to be one of those pathetic individuals who is crying out loud right now, just because someone stepped in in the nick of time to stop psychotic red hordes from starting a civil war. He was right - what government? They lost the control of country some time ago. And might I refresh your memory, we got to this point only because UDD/Red shirts terrorists accelerated smuggling automatic weapons to Bangkok/Thailand. Get some perspective.

Wrong again.

They didn't lose control, they had it stripped from then by a small elite mob. A mob that was dwindling so much that the Army could no longer protect them on the streets.

Thanks for the lovely flames. I am sorry that the glory of your much prayed for coup was short lived and only in small areas of Elite society at that.

You really need to be reading more before you post. Note I spent all day reading real news before I posted. Flame on by all means, but please, do so with more info. backing you.

I won't reply anymore to you. Much more important things to read and write. I'll just see how many likes you get for your poor respnse

Edited May 20, 2014 by jennywren

[Thailand]

Anybody here still think this is not a coup?

[Now or Never]

I am happy. Yes very very happy. Love your work General.

I'll be happier when the PTP thugs disappear from Thailand

[Siripon]

Well done Prayuth, now force both parties, Pheua Thai and the Democrats to propose their policies to the people with debates as to the pros and cons live on TV.

[Scamper]

This a general, not a politician. The country has been through the worst political upheaval in many years. These wounds are still gaping. This man has brought a semblance of control to this situation that many would have deemed impossible just 24 hours ago. He's inviting politicians to talk ( sounds like something you'd expect politicians to do anyway, but you may have noticed they haven't ). Chalerm is off the air-waves, likely to the relief of every living bureaucrat. Surapong is off the air-waves, only to the regret of those who seek a cure for insomnia. Jatuporn is posting on facebook. ( We can handle it ). Bottom line, the country has a functioning Senate, Constitutional Court, National Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as the other levels of the judiciary and independent agencies - and not only are they functioning, this is the first day in months that they haven't been harassed. Peace and security has been returned to the streets of Bangkok. The rallies are contained, the rhetoric has cooled. Some may quibble, but most would call that progress.

[marcusd]

I love him. He is the ONLY one speaking sense thinking of this country.

See a doctor about your ear he says...love it. Love it.

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

[FangFerang]

I was really happy when they declared martial law to stop the violence, but this interview does not sit well with me.

It sounded more like a coup-maker talking to the conquered.

Crap. I was happy when the violence would end. Now I am afraid the violence has not begun.....

[esprit]

Of course it has only just begun. The international community is fully aware of the total corruption within the Thai armed forces. The only issue is how long will it be before the populas rise up.

[Thait Spot]

Anybody here still think this is not a coup?

Anyone here still think we have a functioning government?

Can't have a coup without such a thing

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Misterwhisper]

"When another reporter asked whether the declaration of the martial law means the military can now wield authority without the government's approval, Gen. Prayuth responded, 'Where is the government? Where are they now?'"

Even an bystander should have observed by now that the true government of Thailand since 2006 (and with a brief interlude between 2008 and 2010) has primarily been based in Dubai, disregarding occasional sojourns to countries like Montenegro, Uganda, Nicaragua, Cambodia, Hong Kong and China, among others.

And that is the real travesty of it all!.

[Fat Haggis]

Oh dear scamper, what you fail to grasp is that General Prayuth is very much a politician, as well as a military leader, whether he likes it or not.

It's very common for staff officers of such high ranking to be involved in politics especially in Thailand, all one needs to do is look at the senate, I do believe there are former Generals sitting there due to the events of the past.

To also think he's naive and not aware of the potential implications of today's events with regards to the political climate is also naive.

I like him, he seems a no none sense type of person, I personally know a British General, he used to be my old company Commander who was also a no none sense type of guy, but the higher the ladder he rose, the more political his position was, rather than being Military tough guys, many British Generals were the same, and at the end of the, he's decided to step in, so in effect he's now a statesman and a politician as well as the leader of the Royal Thai Army.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Edited May 20, 2014 by Fat Haggis

[ChrisY1]

Straight to the point, Respect to Gen. Prayuth. Need Generals like him in the British Army and then maybe Britain would still have a military rather than a defence force

No problem......there's 1700 of them here..I think the ratio is 1:39 enlisted men......take a few home!

[Asiantravel]

Hilarious first show of total lack understaning of how things work. Wonder if they need a PR guy to steer the coup through the rest of the day.

Government were busy all day with Reuters, BBC, CNN, US, EU and every Ambassador in Thailand. Check out the reports. Also busy drafting a totally legal draft for elections on 3rd August.

Be difficult now for EC not to comply with election date request now their friends have ensures safety with martial law.

So, whilst the army were posturing, taking selfies and meeting with Suthep and their backers, the Government backed them into a corner with an election date. Hilarious first day in power.

Pity the Army thought to concentrate on his smug allies!!!

You seem to be one of those pathetic individuals who is crying out loud right now, just because someone stepped in in the nick of time to stop psychotic red hordes from starting a civil war. He was right - what government? They lost the control of country some time ago. And might I refresh your memory, we got to this point only because UDD/Red shirts terrorists accelerated smuggling automatic weapons to Bangkok/Thailand. Get some perspective.

It doesn't matter if it UDD/Red shirts or a completely different political party with a brand new name, you will still never be able to overcome the fact that rural Thailand and north-west Thailand will never vote for a party that primarily represents the elites and not after these most recent manoeuvres.

Eventually the Shinawatra family may be completely off the scene and it will no longer be possible to blame them. What you and others like you find difficult to accept is that the Shinawatra legacy was to motivate the masses in Isan and Chiang Mai regarding the power of their vote and the genie will never be able to be put back in the bottle.

There will always be an alternative political party that will command a much bigger vote than the Bangkok elite's party and I can't see how anyone can ever overcome that without Thailand showing that its turning its back on democracy which won't please the outside world and certainly won't help the economy.

[Mister Fixit]

what an idiot here we go again

The army the conscience... give me a brake

A 'brake'? Which one, front or back?

<deleted>, it's 'BREAK'.

[seajae]

Hilarious first show of total lack understaning of how things work. Wonder if they need a PR guy to steer the coup through the rest of the day.

Government were busy all day with Reuters, BBC, CNN, US, EU and every Ambassador in Thailand. Check out the reports. Also busy drafting a totally legal draft for elections on 3rd August.

Be difficult now for EC not to comply with election date request now their friends have ensures safety with martial law.

So, whilst the army were posturing, taking selfies and meeting with Suthep and their backers, the Government backed them into a corner with an election date. Hilarious first day in power.

Pity the Army thought to concentrate on his smug allies!!!

You seem to be one of those pathetic individuals who is crying out loud right now, just because someone stepped in in the nick of time to stop psychotic red hordes from starting a civil war. He was right - what government? They lost the control of country some time ago. And might I refresh your memory, we got to this point only because UDD/Red shirts terrorists accelerated smuggling automatic weapons to Bangkok/Thailand. Get some perspective.

Wrong again.

They didn't lose control, they had it stripped from then by a small elite mob. A mob that was dwindling so much that the Army could no longer protect them on the streets.

Thanks for the lovely flames. I am sorry that the glory of your much prayed for coup was short lived and only in small areas of Elite society at that.

You really need to be reading more before you post. Note I spent all day reading real news before I posted. Flame on by all means, but please, do so with more info. backing you.

I won't reply anymore to you. Much more important things to read and write. I'll just see how many likes you get for your poor respnse

a hell of a lot more than you, maybe tv members like to read the truth not the red/ptp bullsh*t that you apologists sprook constantly. Reading the govt.red biased kaosod pages doesnt give you any facts just propaganda and bullsh*t but that is what you thrive on, we are waiting for the dummy spit you lot will be doing when the ptp/reds are locked up where they should be, as they say, he who laughs last laughs best