Thai Premier needs to improve his PR, experts say

[webfact]

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Premier needs to improve his PR, experts say
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn,
Erich Parpart


Kitti

BANGKOK: -- THE PRIME MINISTER has performed poorly in the area of public relations and he urgently needs expertise from outside the government to help improve the situation, public relations experts say.

They also suggested that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha lay more emphasis on effective communication with the public.

The former Army chief has got into some heated arguments with reporters and has been criticised for running the country like the Army.

Kitti Chambundabongse, chairman of public relations agency Spa-Hakuhodo Co, has a long list of "do" and "don't do" suggestions for the prime minister.

"First, General Prayut must stop his tongue-in-cheek style of speaking and stop talking about his wife or his home matters," Kitti said. He was also concerned that the PM had "lost his cool" sometimes.

"He can be himself in his expression, but he must be serious in tone, with focus on the essence," Kitti said.

The PR specialist called on the government to focus on dealing with the media and keep the promises given to the public.

He suggested that Prayut should have a spokesperson who is not from the military. "There are enough soldiers - active and retired - in the government," he added.

Also, Kitti saw no need for the prime minister to address the public every week, referring to his TV programme "Returning Happiness to People in the Country" broadcast every Friday night.

Hasan Basar, managing director of the public relations agency Bangkok PR, suggested that the prime minister take charge of the government's communications function. He said Prayut should recognise that the communications battlefield is not a place for well-meaning hobbyists.

"Judgement of his entire administration is going to be shaped by these tragic but peripheral matters rather than his grand plans of national reform and reconciliation. He has all the power and the resources to make it happen. It just needs him to say so," Basar said.

Basar has counselled several prime ministers and is widely regarded as the country's top PR guru.

"The international media is constantly fed unpleasant stories from Thailand, about deaths and disorder. This isn't just going to adversely affect high-yield tourism, but it is going to sap away at international investor confidence, too," Basar said.

Stanley Kang, chairman of the Joint Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), said foreign chambers and investors understand that the government currently has a lot on its plate but they could definitely improve in terms of public relations by providing uniform information regarding sensitive issues and news to lessen the level of confusion.

"We understand the situation and the difficulties that the government has to face but uniformity and accuracy in terms of disclosure of information can help lessen the misperception," he said.

Kang said government agencies should avoid creating confusion on sensitive social and economic issues and the agency in charge of public relations should discuss with related agencies when it comes to disclosing sensitive news to the public. This will ensure that the information being provided is accurate and they are all on the same page.

Stanley also said the Finance Ministry's previous comment that the economy is currently in a "stagnation" period would not affect foreign investor confidence, as they understand that Thailand's economy has been affected by the political turmoil at the start of the year. He said economic growth next year would be much brighter due to the announcement of plans for infrastructure projects and the possible setting-up of the international trading centre. Foreigners were waiting to see improvement and the result of the government's anti-corruption campaign also, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Premier-needs-to-improve-his-PR-experts-say-30246395.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-28

[Bkungbank]

We don't see any problems with his speech, I think we are bored already with sweet talking politician with act on other ways and many lies. PM is straight forward person he applogised sometimes which many politician cannot do with strong ego.

Changes meaning some thing new for the people and many people like the way he talk with honest and solved the country problems with sincere from his speech.

[jaidam]

IMO the problem the PM faces goes much deeper than any PR failings. What has been proven recently, by the PM's own words and actions, is that he does not actually want any reforms, rather he wants the whole feudal/patronage system to remain. And not only remain, he has acted to strengthen the old system.

Case in point, Koh Tao murders. Social media and 99% of the population acknowledge the crimes were carried out by police/authority figures. PM's solution was to "reward" the police for job well done in finding defenceless scapegoats, and introduce new measures cementing the police/mafia control over their victims(at the express cost of tourist safety/human rights). Put together with his blaming the victims for dressing inappropriately/behaving inappropriately it is clear what his intentions are.

As a non believer in the "red" regime, I was optimistic that this PM would actually implement meaningful reforms. He had such a superb opportunity, and has blown it so spectacularly, no PR could polish this steamer. He must step down immediately, call an election and stop BS'ing around causing international outrage at his muppetry. The illusion is over.

[Thai at Heart]

Who cares

Who or what is damaged if he fights with a journalist.

Everyone would forgive everything if he was extremely effective at his job.

[mca]

May I suggest a stint as a mentor on The Voice Thailand. Jennifer Kim and Joey Boy seem quite popular.

[bob4you]

If that is the worst mistake he is making, let him be, that is minor fault he is not a born and raised politician like so many.

[Mango Bob]

Maybe Thaksin can recommend his PR man to the PM. He can't do any worst than he's doing now.

[Thailand]

The whole thing was to remove the Shinawatras and their influence,little else. I am sure he doesn't give a toss how he comes across having achieved his objective, or thinks he has.

And too much criticism and he may well bite back, absolute power you know, in a suit or a uniform.

[ezzra]

"to improve PR" i.e. more spin doctors and better expiations of follies to come perhaps?

[yellowboat]

The whole thing was to remove the Shinawatras and their influence,little else. I am sure he doesn't give a toss how he comes across having achieved his objective, or thinks he has.

And too much criticism and he may well bite back, absolute power you know, in a suit or a uniform.

On top of it all, he just does not have the personality . He is all tegether uninspiring.

[slapout]

The thoughts/suggestions made by most of the journilists, self proclaimed experts, ex politicians, etc on how the PM needs pr help could/should be directed at themselves and the people who make a living critizing others.

Many times these critical remarks are based on hearsay, instead of a direct conversation between those involved. To tolerate some of the, statements, misquotes, interpertations etc made by many of those critizing from the PM and many politicians demonstrates their self control is much more refined than those who are complaining the most.

[JOC]

The whole thing was to remove the Shinawatras and their influence,little else. I am sure he doesn't give a toss how he comes across having achieved his objective, or thinks he has.

And too much criticism and he may well bite back, absolute power you know, in a suit or a uniform.

So we should just shut up ??

[tx22cb]

Summary of the news article: 2 PR companies are lobbying for a job as Prayuth's spin doctors.

[PatOngo]

The whole thing was to remove the Shinawatras and their influence,little else. I am sure he doesn't give a toss how he comes across having achieved his objective, or thinks he has.

And too much criticism and he may well bite back, absolute power you know, in a suit or a uniform.

I think it goes beyond merely removing the Shin clan.....the purpose of the takeover is to preserve the influence of the rich elite minority who do not have the numbers to democratically win an election.

[JOC]

If that is the worst mistake he is making, let him be, that is minor fault he is not a born and raised politician like so many.

You seem to forget, he staged a coup and appointed himself to PM.

That is very much a job of a politician. Time to start act like one!!

[visionchaser45]

It took "experts" to figure that out? The bar flies have been saying as much for months already. Maybe the experts were just working up the courage to state the obvious.

[binjalin]

he is a Military man and the cross-over will be unsuccessful, eventually, no matter how "pure" his intentions the roads to hell are paved with them

[ginjag]

IMO the problem the PM faces goes much deeper than any PR failings. What has been proven recently, by the PM's own words and actions, is that he does not actually want any reforms, rather he wants the whole feudal/patronage system to remain. And not only remain, he has acted to strengthen the old system.

Case in point, Koh Tao murders. Social media and 99% of the population acknowledge the crimes were carried out by police/authority figures. PM's solution was to "reward" the police for job well done in finding defenceless scapegoats, and introduce new measures cementing the police/mafia control over their victims(at the express cost of tourist safety/human rights). Put together with his blaming the victims for dressing inappropriately/behaving inappropriately it is clear what his intentions are.

As a non believer in the "red" regime, I was optimistic that this PM would actually implement meaningful reforms. He had such a superb opportunity, and has blown it so spectacularly, no PR could polish this steamer. He must step down immediately, call an election and stop BS'ing around causing international outrage at his muppetry. The illusion is over.

Quote " blown it in 5 months---get real. he hasn't had the 3 years Yingluck had. Do you prefer R.Amsterdam to advise---his advice got us into this situation.

[ginjag]

If that is the worst mistake he is making, let him be, that is minor fault he is not a born and raised politician like so many.

You seem to forget, he staged a coup and appointed himself to PM.

That is very much a job of a politician. Time to start act like one!!

We have just had a wannabe -Yingluck are you suggesting another one ??

[JOC]

If that is the worst mistake he is making, let him be, that is minor fault he is not a born and raised politician like so many.

You seem to forget, he staged a coup and appointed himself to PM.

That is very much a job of a politician. Time to start act like one!!

We have just had a wannabe -Yingluck are you suggesting another one ??

Yingluck was an airhead, but at least she pretended to be a politician.

And her softspoken (very Thai) way made her popular amongst many Thais, so yes the general could actually learn a little from her!!

[djjamie]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

Edited October 28, 2014 by metisdead

[bkkfaranguy]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

IMO the problem the PM faces goes much deeper than any PR failings. What has been proven recently, by the PM's own words and actions, is that he does not actually want any reforms, rather he wants the whole feudal/patronage system to remain. And not only remain, he has acted to strengthen the old system.

Case in point, Koh Tao murders. Social media and 99% of the population acknowledge the crimes were carried out by police/authority figures. PM's solution was to "reward" the police for job well done in finding defenceless scapegoats, and introduce new measures cementing the police/mafia control over their victims(at the express cost of tourist safety/human rights). Put together with his blaming the victims for dressing inappropriately/behaving inappropriately it is clear what his intentions are.

As a non believer in the "red" regime, I was optimistic that this PM would actually implement meaningful reforms. He had such a superb opportunity, and has blown it so spectacularly, no PR could polish this steamer. He must step down immediately, call an election and stop BS'ing around causing international outrage at his muppetry. The illusion is over.

Wow for the first time on TV I agree with you, but many new from the get go that the protest and the coup where one in the same and just a shifting of power!

[ginjag]

If that is the worst mistake he is making, let him be, that is minor fault he is not a born and raised politician like so many.

You seem to forget, he staged a coup and appointed himself to PM.

That is very much a job of a politician. Time to start act like one!!

We have just had a wannabe -Yingluck are you suggesting another one ??

Yingluck was an airhead, but at least she pretended to be a politician.

And her softspoken (very Thai) way made her popular amongst many Thais, so yes the general could actually learn a little from her!!

Sorry -the PM is not into Shopping and missing meetings and 50 trips away. Is that good enough Quote " PRETENDED"

[binjalin]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

I have not met very many who support him - they are just quiet - and wait

your continual "deferential spin" is nauseating

[ginjag]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

I have not met very many who support him - they are just quiet - and wait

your continual "deferential spin" is nauseating

You will not have met many who support him--according to your likes button they are all the same mindset as you.---but not very quiet, just hate the PM posts.

[binjalin]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

I have not met very many who support him - they are just quiet - and wait

your continual "deferential spin" is nauseating

You will not have met many who support him--according to your likes button they are all the same mindset as you.---but not very quiet, just hate the PM posts.

you know, very well, that it is pointless as Jamie does to refer to the 93% support rating - it's a farce

and I mix with a wide cross section of Thais and most are "waiting" and "quiet" and most believe that, over time, Thais will again have their say at the ballot box and THEN let's see that 93% in action

[chooka]

He needs to engage his brain before speaking, the bikini comment and praise for the BIB on Koh Tao was insensitive and hurt full and making media statements and speaking on behalf of others who say no such thing also makes him and his government look like complete tools

[ginjag]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

I have not met very many who support him - they are just quiet - and wait

your continual "deferential spin" is nauseating

You will not have met many who support him--according to your likes button they are all the same mindset as you.---but not very quiet, just hate the PM posts.

you know, very well, that it is pointless as Jamie does to refer to the 93% support rating - it's a farce

and I mix with a wide cross section of Thais and most are "waiting" and "quiet" and most believe that, over time, Thais will again have their say at the ballot box and THEN let's see that 93% in action

The support rating is NOT based on your friends and followers---WE have only a basic idea of what's what.

EVERYONE is waiting, as I am to see what the next election outcome is. BUT some of your followers are not wanting that process they are everyday slagging off the PM. WE do not have much choice but to show dislike to some moves and applaud other at this time.

[djjamie]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

I have not met very many who support him - they are just quiet - and wait

your continual "deferential spin" is nauseating

You will not have met many who support him--according to your likes button they are all the same mindset as you.---but not very quiet, just hate the PM posts.

I find it ironic that one can disregard the hundreds of polls that show the PM as popular because it does not suit ones agenda yet in the same breath gauge and hold as gospel his lack of popularity by the amount of people "one has meet" all because it DOES suit ones agenda.

That is called PTP logic.

[chooka]

​Methinks the PR firms in this article smell money and it is advantageous to criticize the popular PM to open the gates of employment for themselves.

With that said though, it is admirable though naive to think that the popular PM Prayut can do the job without any assistance what so ever from a PR focused platform. The scrutiny of the free media alone is enough to warrant employing a representative to soften the image of the popular PM and when the focus is on his sometimes crude public speaking skills then one can be assured he is in need of a public speaking coach as opposed to PR firms.

<<<< Off topic deflection comments removed >>>>

Thankfully PM Prayut has not gone down the shadowy criminal path that a certain previous PM has and he certainly does not warrant the assistance of these firms stated above because of this. He needs to show some tact and patience with the small (7%) minority that question his good motives. That can be achieved through a public speaking coach.

​<EDIT> He did one thing that I have never seen another Thai politician or PM ever do though. He apologized for his inappropriate remarks in reference to the Koh Tao murders. That alone speaks volumes about the man that will bring reform to Thailand. Admittance when making a mistake is a trait that is admirable and is why he is so popular.

He was forced to apologise after all the international criticism of him and his mouth. He dragged Thailand down with his remarks and he apologised to Thailand and not the international community he offended greatly.

Edited October 28, 2014 by metisdead