Prayuth's media skills need some honing

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Prayut's media skills need some honing
Kavi Chongkittavorn

BANGKOK: -- As a journalist over three decades, I have never witnessed such an incomprehensible and embarrassing exchange between a Thai prime minister and reporters.

The sustained "tit-for-tat" between Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and government-beat reporters on September 25 at the Government House showed a lack of understanding and appreciation of the role of media by the current government. Media encounters with the prime minister these days have become a game to outsmart one another with condescending views from both sides.

If this trend persists, it will be a recipe for disaster as it does not bode well with the government's oft-repeated promises to respect press freedom which has suffered greatly under the pretext of bringing back happiness and reconciliation.

Rough patterns and tones of discourse have already emerged that could have far-reaching repercussions for Prayut's leadership and ability to communicate with the Thai people - as well as for the media's creditability and professionalism.

First and foremost, both Prayut and reporters reveal their unpleasant features. The prime minister has been a military leader all his life, even though he has now taken up a civilian role to lead the country. But he still talks and replies like a soldier. So, whenever reporters ask any question, he feels awkward and it shows. As a commander in the Thai army, he did not have to answer - no questions were asked. Now as the most powerful figure in the country, he has to be accountable for everything he undertakes. That helps explain why sometimes a simple question demanding a simple answer turns into a tit-for-tat of useless news value.

Therefore, a Thai public figure requires an extraordinary ability to engage the media. Among former Thai prime ministers, Chatichai Choonhawan was the most adroit in dealing with the media. He could be teasing and yet reveal information with good quotes - something Prayut has been trying to do but so far to no avail.

Anand Panyarachun, Chuan Leekpai and Abhisit Vejjajiva were the three leaders who maintained the highest professional relations with the media. The trio kept a distance from reporters and answered their enquiries with facts - they never lapsed into a conversation during press conferences. However, the quality of replies dropped markedly under Yingluck Shinawatra as she could not connect the dots or make sense of what was going on during the day.

Second, the reporters following the prime minister and his entourage are rookies and not well trained, except a handful of experienced reporters. In other countries, the most experienced reporters are assigned to cover their leaders and activities at their offices and the Parliament. The opposite is true in Thailand. Nearly 200 reporters representing traditional and new media are young and greenhorn. They are there to get comments, especially negative ones, not the big picture. If there are gaffes made by the prime minister or his Cabinet members, news editors consider it a good day for headline news.

Reporters at the Government House have their own journalistic practices and pitfalls. They often ask questions with cynicism. Once they get the answers they can frame them to match their presumed motives - something the Thai reporters are very good at. Indeed, they need fundamental journalist training and understanding of vital issues affecting the country.

Third, Prayut shows an inability to convey the message that what he is doing is not in "self-interest" but for "public-interest" and could in the long-run undermine his own accomplishments. In his several media conferences, he has repeated the same thing - what he has been doing is in the public interest. Someone needs to tell him that the proof of the pudding is in the eating - not saying the same thing. Thais and the international community want to see results from his impressive list of reforms. They all want to see him succeed. A good piece of advice for him - seek professional assistance in handling media in ways that would sharpen his message and communication skills.

At his class in political communications in the fall of 2000, Prof. David Gergen of Harvard University stressed that the US presidents he had advised (Gerald Ford, George Bush, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton) had to practice regularly in speech making and answering questions. Ability to answer and control expressions on camera in the 24-hour news cycle and globalised world needs proper and sustained training. There is nothing wrong in getting professional advice.

Finally, it is recommended Prayut transform his Friday lecture on pool TV into a town-hall meeting. It can be a once a month event with dialogue with representatives from all walks of life, instead of a monologue in a studio addressing and pointing fingers at the unseen audience. Prayut is a straight forward and sincere leader - no question about that. The remaining 12-15 months is a short time; he should be allowed to display his charisma and good intentions in a day-to-day setting with the common folk he vows to serve.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Prayuts-media-skills-need-some-honing-30244802.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-06

[Fred Flinstone]

Quote

. Prayut is a straight forward and sincere leader - no question about that

UnQuote

Then why is he banned from even setting foot in Australia?

[MrJohnson]

The current regime seems generally unconcerned about media coverage. After all, much of it is censored. The occasional slip about bikini clad tourists is trivia. The real debates are being muzzled.

[Lozza]

Why is he banned from australia.

[Lozza]

His comment about rewarding the Police for a job well done was cringeworthy-I felt my face go red.

[NongKhaiKid]

The current regime seems generally unconcerned about media coverage. After all, much of it is censored. The occasional slip about bikini clad tourists is trivia. The real debates are being muzzled.

The international media is a different prospect as he may find out to his cost when he goes to Europe.

Certainly any gaffes or ill-considered comments / answers may not be reported here, blocked on the internet etc but they will be reported worldwide although the rest of the world isn't really a concern since no one understands Thainess.

It may not do the country's attempt to get a place at the UN big table any good though and the rest of the AEC will also see and hear.

Like it or not the rest of the world does matter.

[ramrod711]

However, the quality of replies dropped markedly under Yingluck Shinawatra as she could not connect the dots or make sense of what was going on during the day.

She was a puppet, when interviewing a dummy you should always direct questions to the master.

[Commerce]

"However, the quality of replies dropped markedly under Yingluck Shinawatra as she could not connect the dots or make sense of what was going on during the day."

You can say that again!

[Thanet]

"But he still talks and replies like a soldier. "

That's because he is a soldier, like a fish out of water, meddling in something that he can't understand.

Prayuth hates criticism, just like Thaksin did. The sooner he realises this and quits, the better for Thailand. Friday TV will be a lot better without his boring sermons too.

Seems the yellow lot have bitten off more than they can chew by supporting this dictator.

[Thanet]

However, the quality of replies dropped markedly under Yingluck Shinawatra as she could not connect the dots or make sense of what was going on during the day.

She was a puppet, when interviewing a dummy you should always direct questions to the master.

You are right about Yingluck, she was a puppet, albeit an elected one. How about Preecha Chan-ocha and the other NLA cronies? Are they puppets too?

If Hilary Clinton gets elected as president, would you call her a puppet?

Thailand is starting to resemble Punch and Judy.

[jacky54]

. Friday TV will be a lot better without his boring sermons too.

He's better than the Friday lakorn and is the only leader who has ever bothered to have his words translated into English when giving a speech. Well meaning and honest bloke but really who would want his job (apart form the corrupt) it's like trying to get a nation of naughty children to behave better, I fear he will leave office disappointed.

Edited October 6, 2014 by jacky54

[noitom]

He's totally unqualified to be a civilian head of state in a country of 70 million.

[phutoie2]

He's totally unqualified to be a civilian head of state in a country of 70 million.

yep I have been listening to his speech on Saturday morning radio, appears he is more qualified as a standup funny guy.

[BSJ]

" But he still talks and replies like a soldier. " After 39 years in uniform and a stint at #1 spot I think it may take a few more weeks to demilitorise him!

[BirdsandBooze]

From childhood to now his entire life has been spent in a military bubble. It is going to be very difficult for him to relate to the civilian world. Perhaps re-education should be on his curriculum?

[tx22cb]

Reporter: Prayuth's media skills needs honing

Prayuth thinks: Let me see. I am the PM, head of the Junta, I have imposed martial law, and I have backing from the Highest levels. I think I will take a leaf out of Mahathir Mohamad by reforming some recalcitrant members of the media instead.

[h90]

Quote

. Prayut is a straight forward and sincere leader - no question about that

UnQuote

Then why is he banned from even setting foot in Australia?

That why he is banned from setting a foot on Australia....

[John1thru10]

haha! yes...

[John1thru10]

However, the quality of replies dropped markedly under Yingluck Shinawatra as she could not connect the dots or make sense of what was going on during the day.

She was a puppet, when interviewing a dummy you should always direct questions to the master.

You are right about Yingluck, she was a puppet, albeit an elected one. How about Preecha Chan-ocha and the other NLA cronies? Are they puppets too?

If Hilary Clinton gets elected as president, would you call her a puppet?

Thailand is starting to resemble Punch and Judy.

I would call Hillary Clinton a puppet for Wall Street, most definitely in fact. Millions and millions of people in the US would, as well.

[h90]

I don't care his media skills. The problem is to get things done.

He busted some low level corrupties, which is good. But the big corruption guys are still happily around. And as they don't even try to flee they must be sure that they don't get any problems.

[asiamaster]

Quote

. Prayut is a straight forward and sincere leader - no question about that

UnQuote

Then why is he banned from even setting foot in Australia?

Because Abbott is a straight forward and sincere leader - no question about that. Really????? ROFL

[Thailand]

Simply embarrassing at times.

Sadly appears to be way out of his depth.

A. shame as he does seem to be quite honest but I doubt if many of those on his coat tails are.

Coup result to date- same old,same old.

[natway09]

Whilst I believe his frankness & openness is sincere, there are many things that as the now PM do not need sharing

[outsider]

'Honing' is putting it mildly.

[trainman34014]

What the Thai people are used to is Politicians who talk a lot about what they are going to do for them but actually do more to help their own self interests. The only difference at the moment is they have a Military Man talking a lot about what he is going to do for them whilst looking after his own interests. If the man is as 'sincere' as people seem to believe he would be taking out the top order of the corrupt Elite and tearing down the Police Mafia, and that would be just a starter on the road to 'returning happiness to the people'.

Truth is.....same shit; just different man on a different day.

[Anthony5]

I don't care his media skills. The problem is to get things done.

He busted some low level corrupties, which is good. But the big corruption guys are still happily around. And as they don't even try to flee they must be sure that they don't get any problems.

Maybe you can enlighten us a bit more about which low level corruptions he busted.

As far as I'm aware :

Phuket jetski thugs back on the beach

Taxi meter scam still going on.

Minivans still a lot without yellow license plate or registration number on the windscreen, however deadline was months ago.

Pattaya beach clean up was started, but stopped half way the process.

HuaHin beach vendors also back on the beach reportedly.

A few days ago there was a news article on this very forum that NOT ALL rice farmers have been compensated in the rice scam, however end of may already was announced that they ALL were paid.

Can't wait for the list of achieved items, but I'm not gonna hold ny breath.

[Krataiboy]

However, the quality of replies dropped markedly under Yingluck Shinawatra as she could not connect the dots or make sense of what was going on during the day.

She was a puppet, when interviewing a dummy you should always direct questions to the master.

They are all puppets. Different puppet masters, that's all.

[MrJohnson]

The current regime seems generally unconcerned about media coverage. After all, much of it is censored. The occasional slip about bikini clad tourists is trivia. The real debates are being muzzled.

The international media is a different prospect as he may find out to his cost when he goes to Europe.

Certainly any gaffes or ill-considered comments / answers may not be reported here, blocked on the internet etc but they will be reported worldwide although the rest of the world isn't really a concern since no one understands Thainess.

It may not do the country's attempt to get a place at the UN big table any good though and the rest of the AEC will also see and hear.

Like it or not the rest of the world does matter.

You may well be right about reporting outside the Kingdom but I think the RTA is largely unconcerned about this at present. The Government is being run by old heads firmly embedded in the past.

[NongKhaiKid]

The current regime seems generally unconcerned about media coverage. After all, much of it is censored. The occasional slip about bikini clad tourists is trivia. The real debates are being muzzled.

The international media is a different prospect as he may find out to his cost when he goes to Europe.

Certainly any gaffes or ill-considered comments / answers may not be reported here, blocked on the internet etc but they will be reported worldwide although the rest of the world isn't really a concern since no one understands Thainess.

It may not do the country's attempt to get a place at the UN big table any good though and the rest of the AEC will also see and hear.

Like it or not the rest of the world does matter.

You may well be right about reporting outside the Kingdom but I think the RTA is largely unconcerned about this at present. The Government is being run by old heads firmly embedded in the past.

Spot on, and unfortunate for the country.

[mikemac]

"But he still talks and replies like a soldier. "

That's because he is a soldier, like a fish out of water, meddling in something that he can't understand.

Prayuth hates criticism, just like Thaksin did. The sooner he realises this and quits, the better for Thailand. Friday TV will be a lot better without his boring sermons too.

Seems the yellow lot have bitten off more than they can chew by supporting this dictator.

You can say what you like about him Thanet, but at least the words coming out of his mouth are his own words, he is not some imbecile, halfwitted robot being driven by remote control by an on-the-run criminal hiding somewhere in the Middle East or China in a five star hotel.

Prayuth hates criticism, just like Thaksin did..............................................Thaksin still does, and reacts accordingly.

The sooner he realises this and quits, the better for Thailand................................Many have said that about the Shins. They would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize if they left.

Friday TV will be a lot better without his boring sermons too.........................TVF would also be better off without red propaganda rubbish.