Thai Premier needs to improve his PR, experts say

[ginjag]

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

And anyone believing that BING translations are accurate are complete tools.

[spidermike007]

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.

You are correct in many things you said. Except the tao crimes were not committed by the police. The cover up was, but not the crime. The crime was committed by an individual who is above the law. And the general has no interest in upsetting the apple cart, on any level, as you correctly stated. So, the families that are above the law, continue to be above the law, and in a sense he is protecting them. We all hoped for great things, but in reality we were all very, very naive. He comes from an elite background. How can he be expected to upset the way things are done here? The crimes he is fighting are tiny, and not in any way going to contribute to any meaningful change. After all, what is this the 18th coup? How many meaningful reforms resulted from previous coups? They talk the talk, but what else are they going to do?

[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.

You are correct in many things you said. Except the tao crimes were not committed by the police. The cover up was, but not the crime. The crime was committed by an individual who is above the law. And the general has no interest in upsetting the apple cart, on any level, as you correctly stated. So, the families that are above the law, continue to be above the law, and in a sense he is protecting them. We all hoped for great things, but in reality we were all very, very naive. He comes from an elite background. How can he be expected to upset the way things are done here? The crimes he is fighting are tiny, and not in any way going to contribute to any meaningful change. After all, what is this the 18th coup? How many meaningful reforms resulted from previous coups? They talk the talk, but what else are they going to do?

How many reforms between the so called coups ???

[Thailand]

​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.

Why am I not surprised that you and your "like" actually believe these polls!

[wabothai]

How in hell can a general become a self appointed PM? Usually these people are called dictators. Dictators won't allow any PR person to make any suggestions as to what and how to say.

The man comes on like a daddy, don't get fooled, he was and still is, the most powerful man in Thailand.

[smutcakes]

How in hell can a general become a self appointed PM? Usually these people are called dictators. Dictators won't allow any PR person to make any suggestions as to what and how to say.

The man comes on like a daddy, don't get fooled, he was and still is, the most powerful man in Thailand.

I would say his Daddies in the NCPO, namely Prawit and Anupong would still be the persons pulling the strings.

[Eric Loh]

He really need to improve his PR image quickly or he will be satire material for Jimmy Fallon. That will be ambarassing for Thailand.

[Strangebrew]

Mr. PM you can run the government use skills you learned for fighting a battle. # 1 Know the enemy in This case "corruption" Flank the enemy from all sides. Then attack full force. In this case It is Officials in RTP and Customs and immigration. Round them up take them to court once convicted make sure penalty is great. Next Infrastructure Have open bidding on projects lowest bid wins. But set standard on work being done and hold winning companies liable for work done. Tourism Fire ever one in TAT seek good people to fill the jobs. Hire a Farang to help you on the international side of things As an adviser only, and sounding board about changes you want to do. A retired Farang living in Thailand would be a big help where Pay wouldn't have to be so high. Thailand has many issues you need a group of people answerable to you to go out find the needs and solve the problems and report back to you for your approval. Then focus on a return of the country to the people as you said in the beginning.

[ginjag]

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.

Why am I not surprised that you and your "like" actually believe these polls!

If the polls showed the opposite you would welcome them...sour grapes.

[ginjag]

He really need to improve his PR image quickly or he will be satire material for Jimmy Fallon. That will be ambarassing for Thailand.

Tell you what---lets bring in Chalerm ask for his advice. Please leave it out mate.

[Eric Loh]

He really need to improve his PR image quickly or he will be satire material for Jimmy Fallon. That will be ambarassing for Thailand.

Tell you what---lets bring in Chalerm ask for his advice. Please leave it out mate.

Thought I inject some humour in a boring subject. Pun intended for the personality. Anyway Chalerm is funny in his own way just like the good General has his own funny style.

[Fat Haggis]

He isn't as popular as some would have it believed, of all the Thais I friendly enough with not one of them seems to think he's the answer to Thailand problems but their attitude towards corruption is almost like " yeah so what? It happens".

some still think Yinluck was dumb but pretty,most say Thakain was a greedy man who stole from Buddah, none trust anyone from Bangkok to make their live better and some of these people are Uni graduates, NOBODY knows his tru popularity only way to prove this is in a vote, and he's not too keen on letting that happen, why not?

He wins he gets the 4 years to complete all his reforms and all the Thais are winners, but he and his backers are doubtful of his chances of winning, and he's staying put till the "event" takes place.

[smutcakes]

If he is unable to moderate or adjust his comments to a reasonable level himself, I would suggest he probably does not have the ability to do it regardless what PR company he uses.

I am by no means intellectual or a PR man, but simple business acumen or personal skills for a normal functioning adult in this world would allow most people to be able to articulate far better without offending people, or leaving yourself and your colleagues wide open to criticism.

No one is expecting a honed politician, in fact its nice not to have that, but surely he and his advisers can self regulate to an acceptable level.

[Mr Yim]

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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.

But that was not his objective. The purpose of siezing power remains. The only question is whether he will hang himself(figuratively speaking) before this occurs.

[DrTuner]

It's good that he says what's on his mind. Lets everybody know where the wind is blowing from.

[fab4]

It's good that he says what's on his mind. Lets everybody know where the wind is blowing from.

Some of us already know where the wind is blowing from, in a manner of speaking..............................

Edited October 28, 2014 by fab4

[Thailand]

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.

Why am I not surprised that you and your "like" actually believe these polls!

If the polls showed the opposite you would welcome them...sour grapes.

Seriously.

So you do actually believe a happiness rate of 93%?

[rickirs]

No, Chambundabongse.

General Praut does not need to improve his PR. However poorly he may deliver his messages and react in public, he alone holds absolute power over the nation and continues to use the stick of martial law to assure compliance. He is not some slick politician who needs to carefully craft his messages and behavior to public sensitivities to gain their support or deflect their criticism. His messages come with the force of law and it's illegal for criticize either him, the NCPO, the NRC, the NLA, and anyone else connected with any of those organization.

Do you think Stalin, Castro, Al Asaad, Idi Amin, etc. concerned themselves with Public Relations? No, like those persons General Prayut is his own man and history will remember for what he did to Thailand.

[spidermike007]

Mr. PM you can run the government use skills you learned for fighting a battle. # 1 Know the enemy in This case "corruption" Flank the enemy from all sides. Then attack full force. In this case It is Officials in RTP and Customs and immigration. Round them up take them to court once convicted make sure penalty is great. Next Infrastructure Have open bidding on projects lowest bid wins. But set standard on work being done and hold winning companies liable for work done. Tourism Fire ever one in TAT seek good people to fill the jobs. Hire a Farang to help you on the international side of things As an adviser only, and sounding board about changes you want to do. A retired Farang living in Thailand would be a big help where Pay wouldn't have to be so high. Thailand has many issues you need a group of people answerable to you to go out find the needs and solve the problems and report back to you for your approval. Then focus on a return of the country to the people as you said in the beginning.

Keep dreaming. We need men with lofty ideals in this world. Most of us have now realized Prayuth has little appetite for a battle with the status quo, the elites, the government ministers, the rich, the powerful, and the well connected, despite his protestations to the contrary. What else is he going to say? "I am here to make sure the rich stay rich, the corrupt with influence and power do not get arrested?" That is just not going to happen. But, your dreams are a good thing.

[Gonzo the Face]

Again, unless I am mistaken, within the past 3-4 days I read a Thai Media report that the PM's approval had gone up from 70 something % , before last weeks Europe summit, to 97 % after he returned home. First allow something for Thai reporting, but I have never heard of any gov't leader with %'s like that, but now who is this never heard of, stating that he needs to improve his image. WHAT ! ! !

Well this is Thailand....some may read but much fewer think or comprehend. Many talk but don't listen to what they are saying he needs to improve his PR , or maybe just don't even understand themselves. Well I guess there is still the missing 3 %

Edited October 28, 2014 by Gonzo the Face

[Wombat6]

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 only have to look at the previous PM...... She never was a Politician so where were you with your advice ???

[tbthailand]

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.

Why am I not surprised that you and your "like" actually believe these polls!

If the polls showed the opposite you would welcome them...sour grapes.

really, you think people are that stupid?

See, the polling company with the sky-high ratings for the 'PM' was created 5 days before the 'intervention' and the guy running it lists the RTA as his employer.

The corresponding argument you propose to that would have to be something along the lines of a polling company created by Robert Amsterdam and no one would believe that poll either.

Of course the latter hasn't happened and is not likely to happen under the omniscient 'leadership' of the 'NCPO'.

go make wine with your sour grapes, please.

[ginjag]

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.

Why am I not surprised that you and your "like" actually believe these polls!

If the polls showed the opposite you would welcome them...sour grapes.

really, you think people are that stupid?

See, the polling company with the sky-high ratings for the 'PM' was created 5 days before the 'intervention' and the guy running it lists the RTA as his employer.

The corresponding argument you propose to that would have to be something along the lines of a polling company created by Robert Amsterdam and no one would believe that poll either.

Of course the latter hasn't happened and is not likely to happen under the omniscient 'leadership' of the 'NCPO'.

go make wine with your sour grapes, please.

There is a no win either way with you anti PM posters.

Get Chalerm in charge if you want a role model.

[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.

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.

HUNDREDS of polls ???????? now THAT is yellow 'wishful' thinking

[tbthailand]

If the polls showed the opposite you would welcome them...sour grapes.

really, you think people are that stupid?

See, the polling company with the sky-high ratings for the 'PM' was created 5 days before the 'intervention' and the guy running it lists the RTA as his employer.

The corresponding argument you propose to that would have to be something along the lines of a polling company created by Robert Amsterdam and no one would believe that poll either.

Of course the latter hasn't happened and is not likely to happen under the omniscient 'leadership' of the 'NCPO'.

go make wine with your sour grapes, please.

There is a no win either way with you anti PM posters.

Get Chalerm in charge if you want a role model.

so what the heck? You claim that people would accept ridiculous results from polls if the situation were reversed and when the theoretical reversed-scenario is laid out and shows that it too would be a joke and not accepted, you come back with "chalerm"?

BTW, it's not anti-PM, it is anti 'PM'

[binjalin]

so??? where are the yellow fellows? DJJAMIE said "Hundreds of Polls"? proof? 100s? WHERE? or is it another LIE ????????????????????????

[brucec64]

​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.

​ 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.

Hundreds of polls? In 150 days of power? You are saying that they are putting out 2 polls a day to show how popular they are?

Not sure what kind of logic that is called.

[rubl]

so??? where are the yellow fellows? DJJAMIE said "Hundreds of Polls"? proof? 100s? WHERE? or is it another LIE ????????????????????????

I understand why you seem so upset. Imagine PM Prayut really works on his image and hires a team of PR experts. He might even become so acceptable as to eliminate the need for new elections

[Alwyn]

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

The fact that a person is a military man does not mean they can't cross over into politics successfully - although in this particular case it's bang on, he might have been a great soldier but his political skills are zero

[joecoolfrog]

If the PM delivers what the majority of Thai people and International investors want , then his lack of PR skills will matter little. If he does not deliver then no amount of PR will camouflage the fact , in the final analysis deeds wnot words will prevail.