Thai analysis: 'The boss knows best'

[webfact]

NATION ANALYSIS
'The boss knows best'
Pakorn Puengnetr,
Pravit Rojanaphruk,
Nitipol Kiravanich
The Nation

Aides concerned by PM's 'loose cannon' style, but fear offering too much advice

BANGKOK: -- Close aides and advisers of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha are concerned about his tendency to shoot his mouth off, but nobody in the inner circle has the courage to tell him how he should conduct himself in the public domain.

They fear Prayut's PR disasters could jeopardise the coup-installed government's mission of reform and reconciliation.

"We understand he knows better than us," said a military officer who once worked closely with Prayut. "It is the tradition in the Thai military that we refrain from telling the superior what he should or should not do."

Prayut often loses his temper in public when he is asked a provocative question by journalists. There was another instance of Prayut losing his cool, on Tuesday, when he was asked by a senior reporter not to make his press briefings too long.

Prayut is known to be short-tempered by nature. Initially his close aides tried to keep him away from reporters. However, as the prime minister, Prayut cannot remain silent over many issues of public concern, noted an official at Government House.

"We try to make it difficult for reporters to get access to the prime minister, but it is he who wants access to the media to communicate with the public," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Indeed, Prayut knows his weak points and that a loose mouth would not be good for his political future and the government's image - but it seems he cannot control his old habits.

Colonel Winthai Suvari, a spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said Prayut had himself said that he would try to speak less and be careful lest someone distorts his remarks.

"I can't speak on behalf of my superior. Perhaps he's trying and he's rather cautious. Maybe it has more to do with the questions posed", Winthai justified.

A source close to a senior member of Prayut's Cabinet said the prime minister was very talkative at meetings and tended to focus on himself too much.

Deputy Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Prayut's background as an Army officer might make him appear intimidating. Some who have worked with the PM have suggested that he should answer fewer questions from the media, although Prayut has cited the importance of explaining things to the public.

"He stressed to the whole Cabinet and the team of spokesmen that they should not be bored explaining issues," said Sansern, adding that Prayut said news and information travelled fast so there was always the need to update and explain things frequently.

Reading from a script, Sansern said, would instead make Prayut appear rigid. The prime minister is also willing to apologise when it is due, he added

Sukhum Nuansakul, a political analyst and former rector of Ramkhamhaeng University, said the PM and the media should attune to each other's ways of talking.

"We have to understand that the PM is from the junta, and he was also a commander-in-chief. His way of speaking is more about issuing orders, and sometimes he can get offended by questions not in tune with his thoughts," Sukhum said.

Meanwhile, the media should get familiar with the PM's style of talking, even though previous prime ministers were softer in many ways, he said.

"Personally, I believe General Prayut should not sound as if he is giving orders but rather explaining, and reporters should respect the PM more," he said.

Sukhum also suggested that Prayut should understand that reporters' work is driven by curiosity and he should answer according to his thoughts, without personal emotion.

Yuwadee Thanyasiri, a veteran reporter at the Government House who always asks provocative questions, said it would be best for the prime minister to be brief and talk to the point.

"It does not help to speak longer, because everything he says could be on the news and it is not only in Thailand but outside the country as well. In particular, he has to be cautious on international relations," she said.

She said personally she does not assume she knows more or less than the premier, and her intentions are good.

"I do not preach him [Prayut] but I only proposed that he should talk to the point, to save time for media and reporters," said Yuwadee.

She said that she understood Prayut was the commander-in-chief, who used to giving orders, but now he has another role as prime minister and he should adjust himself to get along with reporters.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/The-boss-knows-best-30245569.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-16

[NongKhaiKid]

A Thai example of ' The Shift To Risk ' doctrine as his staff will sit and say " Yes Sir ' possibly accompanied by crawling compliments while he's getting and saying things wrong..

I doubt he's a person who asks ' what do you think ' expecting anything else than total agreement.

[englishoak]

Amusing reading.

[chooka]

Sounds like he is ruling through fear and intimidation. Do not dare to critisise the supreme leader.

[kalbo123]

Sounds like he is ruling through fear and intimidation. Do not dare to critisise the supreme leader.

Google dictatorship!

[jdinasia]

Sounds like he is ruling through fear and intimidation. Do not dare to critisise the supreme leader.

Google dictatorship!

Were either of you here to witness Thaksin' press conferences?

[tx22cb]

I like the way he is - very refreshing to have a Thai PM giving his unadulterated and unfiltered thoughts.

Much more exciting than the press conferences given by Yingluck (who was obviously coached and just repeated a few memorised talking points) and by Abhisit (very experienced politician, so usually stuck to polished but boring/appeasing/indecisive diplomatic niceties).

[yellowboat]

How does reconciliation happen with an infatic, ridged leader like this one ?

[Lupatria]

Same in every company here. Nobody has the guts to criticize 'the boss' even though he turns out unqualified and only got the job due to patronage. It starts in school already because first and foremost they learn: shut up and obey! This will not change as long as both sides consider this as convenient.

[Emster23]

"nobody in the inner circle has the courage to tell him how he should conduct himself"

This attitude seems endemic in all group structures in Thailand.

 Leadership is conferred by those lower on the rungs. Authority is top down imposing. He has authority, has done some good things. Thailand is unfamiliar with idea of leadership from bottom up. Suggest he read some business 101 material on how to lead and create meaningful results.

[SOTIRIOS]

....this is not 'analysis'........

..."the official said on condition of anonymity"....

...this is slander...and unsubstantiated hearsay....

...or total fabrication.......??????

Edited October 16, 2014 by SOTIRIOS

[kamahele]

This happens in the private sector as well. Not just the military.

[wwest5829]

A Thai example of ' The Shift To Risk ' doctrine as his staff will sit and say " Yes Sir ' possibly accompanied by crawling compliments while he's getting and saying things wrong..

I doubt he's a person who asks ' what do you think ' expecting anything else than total agreement.

Best way to loose any poisition of leadership in time. Surround yourself with only people who agree with you.

You don't sharpen an knife (speaking of a sharp mind here!) on a sponge. As a leader you also need to seek

out those who can intelligently challenge your ideas so you can strengthen your ideas to meet your goals. You

can decide if you want to pursue your original ideas, modify the ideas or abandon them altogether. IMHO

[craigt3365]

A few posts with derogatory remarks towards the PM have been removed from view. Please understand we are still under martial law.

[klauskunkel]

How does reconciliation happen with an infatic, ridged leader like this one ?

infatic?

ridged leader?

what are you trying to say?

[iReason]

"We try to make it difficult for reporters to get access to the prime minister…”

“Close aides and advisers of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha are concerned about his tendency to shoot his mouth off…”

“…but it seems he cannot control his old habits.”

“Personally, I believe General Prayut should not sound as if he is giving orders but rather explaining…”

Very candid and unusual remarks.

Sounds to me that the cracks are widening. (Ahead of schedule)

Perhaps the coup cycle will be stepped up…

“…the prime minister was very talkative at meetings and tended to focus on himself too much.”

Edited October 16, 2014 by iReason

[chotthee]

Rule 1.Your boss is always right. rule 2. If you think the boss is wrong refer to rule 1.

[cup-O-coffee]

Mom knows best, Teacher knows best, boss knows best...

Same reaction to all... Stick around only as long as necessary to satisfy basic needs or to get something for nothing, then move on to next host.

Enforcing with fear has replaced knowledge transfer. Moms, dads, teachers and bosses have lost it, or never had it, or it simply got bred out of the culture.

The ones being subjected to mom, dad, teacher and the boss's ethics and morals all had it bred out of them early on.

Go where there is least resistance.

Lie like a dog to accommodate the emotions.

Do anything necessary at any given point in time to prevent the possibility that you might think someone is thinking negative about you, or is trying to make you lose face.

Use the emotions as your guide in life. Avoid all logic, and higher levels of human consciousness that have evolved and lye static in the DNA.

Yeah! The boss knows best as far as the boss is concerned. But the way these people lie, and publicly demonstrate their propensity for lying, and go to great measures to lie even more to change the lie, I am not so sure I will take any heed of what the moral cowards people around the esteemed General have to say about this.

Edited October 16, 2014 by cup-O-coffee

[Bluespunk]

"It is the tradition in the Thai military that we refrain from telling the superior what he should or should not do."

Hence the Southern conflict's current state of affairs.

[Thailand]

Wheels are wobbling?

[billd766]

Sounds like he is ruling through fear and intimidation. Do not dare to critisise the supreme leader.

That was and still Thaksin's style.

[billd766]

How does reconciliation happen with an infatic, ridged leader like this one ?

infatic?

ridged leader?

what are you trying to say?

I think he meant emphatic and rigid.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070805200301AAjdKgN

What does the word "infatic" mean?

I can't this word in any of my dictionaries. It may just be that I'm spelling it incorrectly, and that's why I can't find it.

Best Answer

• dcc045 answered 7 years ago

If you mean emphatic, it is tending to express oneself in forceful speech or to take decisive action

Source:

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va...

[kinmaew]

Wow sounds like they have got a top candidate for PM someone who does not like asking questions and then just wai's his way out of meetings. Great just what the country needs. Where can I make a donation to this wonderful cause?

[klauskunkel]

How does reconciliation happen with an infatic, ridged leader like this one ?

infatic?

ridged leader?

what are you trying to say?

I think he meant emphatic and rigid.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070805200301AAjdKgN

What does the word "infatic" mean?

I can't this word in any of my dictionaries. It may just be that I'm spelling it incorrectly, and that's why I can't find it.

Best Answer

• dcc045 answered 7 years ago

If you mean emphatic, it is tending to express oneself in forceful speech or to take decisive action

Source:

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va...

..., or maybe he is infatuated with a midget?

[SPB65]

He can say what he likes. Unlike previous PMs he really is in charge. All he needs now is a Mini-Me, a fluffy white cat on his lap and a sinister Dr Evil laugh.......

[JOC]

Funny isn't it? During the YL administration and whilst the feudal henchman Suthep was roaming the streets a lot of posters were crying out for the army to take over.

Now that you have got it your way, the best you can come up with is repeating the old anti-Shin mantras. Not a word about the accomplishments of the "new" administration.

Second thoughts??

[Eric Loh]

Funny isn't it? During the YL administration and whilst the feudal henchman Suthep was roaming the streets a lot of posters were crying out for the army to take over.

Now that you have got it your way, the best you can come up with is repeating the old anti-Shin mantras. Not a word about the accomplishments of the "new" administration.

Second thoughts??

A lot of posters were crying out for the army to be tougher with the PDRC protestors and keep to the promise of "no coup".

[jdinasia]

Funny isn't it? During the YL administration and whilst the feudal henchman Suthep was roaming the streets a lot of posters were crying out for the army to take over.

Now that you have got it your way, the best you can come up with is repeating the old anti-Shin mantras. Not a word about the accomplishments of the "new" administration.

Second thoughts??

No second thoughts for me yet. I wasn't pulling for a coup but was not upset when it happened. No political violence since it happened. Streets are clear. Some progress has been made re: corruption.

[joebrown]

Funny isn't it? During the YL administration and whilst the feudal henchman Suthep was roaming the streets a lot of posters were crying out for the army to take over.

Now that you have got it your way, the best you can come up with is repeating the old anti-Shin mantras. Not a word about the accomplishments of the "new" administration.

Second thoughts??

No second thoughts for me yet. I wasn't pulling for a coup but was not upset when it happened. No political violence since it happened. Streets are clear. Some progress has been made re: corruption.

Can you please expand on "progress has been made on corruption" other than cleaning up beaches and taxi mafia.

[Robespiere]

Prayuth's PR disasters....

Wouldn't have seen talk like this in the papers a few weeks ago.

Cracks in the dam wall?

Slowly, slowly....