PM rebuked for punch remark

[chooka]

Prayuth is supposedly 'a man and a hardened soldier' and 'coup leader and junta boss, GENERAL, and Prime Minister'. He has worn too many hats.

Unfortunately he is not proving to be a statesman which is a pity, because IMO I think he is genuinely trying to do his best for Thailand, but he continually says the wrong things. Professional PR assistance would really make a difference.

He is well out of his depth in politics and not suited for the job, needs to step down before it's to late. Surely he has a subordinate who can step and give a slight impression they know what to do.

[MilesofSmiles]

It's unbecoming of a head of state.

But as head of the armed forces, a violent streak is hardly surprising.

[DM07]

He should do a Yingluck and run off crying.

Or a Thaksin and sue the reporter.

You really can't help it, can ya'?

[2fishin2]

I am an english speaker and I would have had to look up "splenetic"..... and I would hazard a guess that the majority of english speakers would (with the exception of maybe those that read a lot of fiction or english majors).

I speak American and had to look up that English word....

[siampolee]

The man took over the reins from an administration whose rampant blatant corruption, self interest self benefiting and personal family aims and actions were starting to destroy the country which was on the brink of serious civil disorder.

We may not agree with what happened, however we are starting to see some scratches being made upon the skin that covers the body of corruption.The medicine takes time to administer.

Now for all of those who lambaste the general for his actions and comments.

Ask yourselves just what qualification did the last Prime Minister(s) have?

Truth be known none apart from being put into place by their paymaster to serve his and his family and their cronies interests and to hell with Thailand and its peoples,family first was the motto.

So a comment was made by the general that inflames your delicate nature.

What about the number of offensive comments made by those aforementioned Prime Ministers?,

You know,''did you have sex last night.''

The ping -pong bat with a cross on it to signify, ''I am not responding your your questions,'' the legal actions against the fourth estate and its members and the pursuit of enormous sums of money via those court actions so as a fragile ego could be healed or a fat wallet filed even more.

To our Western eyes and minds this current administration may not seem democratic, however look back at the past here then look at our/ your own countries and define democracy and see just what the parallels are.

There are in many cases behind the scenes military uniforms a plethora of bankers and business people in suits who manipulate the politicians the way they want them to go.

Paradise is supposed to be in the next cosmic address it's not of this world, nor will it ever be either.

All my 24 years here and I find I can live happily with the current administration.

Despite its flaws, this administration does seem to be trying to tackle a gigantic cancerous growth of corruption and another malignant tumour of self interest, it's going to take more than a year or two or a generation or two before this cancer and that tumour are eradicated or contained if in fact they ever can be contained or eradicated at all.

So think about it please.

If you have all the solutions to the myriad of problems facing this administration and this country why are you not running your own countries as opposed to residing here?

Edited March 8, 2015 by siampolee

[smedly]

Remember the Thaksin "press conferences"

Thaksin had the sense to smile and ignore - what happened a few weeks later is unknown because there is nobody around to ask

[Thai at Heart]

How incredibly unporfessional. This guy is meant to be running the country. What kind of message does this send out?

Bring peace and happines to the Thai people by punching someone in the face?

Brilliant.

That thai men are pretty volatile?

[MaxLee]

Well our dear ruling PM and former general could just point the gun instead of displaying his fists.....

[Jeremy50]

This guy just isn't right for the job that he took for himself by force. A total disaster form day one.

[Thai at Heart]

The western press has described him as "splenetic". Had to look that up myself as English isn't my first language.

As in venting one spleen. Full of bile and acid. Nice

[WitawatWatawit]

What did the reporter ask?

Who's your daddy now?

[Anthony5]

They don't understand.

[MaxLee]

This guy just isn't right for the job that he took for himself by force. A total disaster form day one.

And any other one isn't any better either of neither party...

Let's just say, the day in which our dear PM and former general shuts down Thailand's entire network communication system, abolishes all sexy clothes, and has completely brainwashed the entire kid's nation with his 12 stone set super values aka PU, ST*U, or in other words becoming TRULY the next China and North Korea , then we can panic and worry that kids in this country go completely paranoia coma 4 life...

[bkkcanuck8]

The man took over the reins from an administration whose rampant blatant corruption, self interest self benefiting and personal family aims and actions were starting to destroy the country which was on the brink of serious civil disorder.

One of the largest mafias in Thailand extends to pretty well most levels within the military with operations that generate money even at street level. If he cannot get around to cleaning out his own house, how do you expect him to clean up someone elses? It is all about the money going into the right pockets, and eliminating populism which was putting money in the wrong pockets. Suthep when confronted about corruption existing before Thaksin -- said it was worse under Thaksin because he had a known price list. How I interpret that is that it is best when they can pretend to the public that they are outstanding citizens and not money-grubbing corrupt politicians.

Now for all of those who lambaste the general for his actions and comments.

It is often the refrain of - you cannot talk about so-and-so like that but it is usually hypocritical because it is mostly only mentioned when the person is someone that you (generally speaking) support. I judge people on their actions, and his actions are no different than a schoolyard bully.

Ask yourselves just what qualification did the last Prime Minister(s) have?

The last prime minister lacked the qualifications to be prime minister but most leaders of democratic countries do. Yingluck reminds me of the prime minister on "Yes Prime Minister" (English sitcom well worth watching) that got into the position because he was a compromise candidate that was harmless and was the least offensive to most. He although was totally incompetent, but the government generally ran anyways. In most democratic countries, governments really are more like boards that set directions at a high level and what the priorities are.... nothing much more than that. There is a professional civil service (Thailand's is unfortunately corrupt) underneath that that does all the driving, working out the numbers, implementing policies, and pushing back when something is impossible. Yingluck though had the support of the majority of the population (even though the other side tried to make it seem like she really did not). Being a libertarian, I don't care much for spending money or the government being authoritarian on many things - and thus I would not be able to personally support her if I had a vote -- but not many Thai politicians would be able to get my support. I believe governments should focus on a core set of the most important functions - and not try to do everything half-assed. The problem with Thailand is they have never been able to let the democratic government work through a full cycle.... letting the party in power fail which will in a decade or so lead to democratic change.... constantly having coups leads to no-one learning from mistakes.

Edited March 8, 2015 by bkkcanuck8

[Seastallion]

He's just being honest...refreshing from a politician.

[MaxLee]

The point is, no matter who rules this country, the rich and powerful influential bastards that are related or inbetween, will always get a Free pass on their crimes and so do their soiled brats..... it doesn't affect those snobbish scum WHO is currently at power...

[Headgame]

He's just being honest...refreshing from a politician.

Sorry, what am I missing.

Who is the refreshing "politician" you're referring to?

Edited March 8, 2015 by Headgame

[lildragon]

He should do a Yingluck and run off crying.

Or a Thaksin and sue the reporter.

You really can't help it, can ya'?

Junta apologists always have to spin it and make it about Thaksin because they can't defend this splenetic behavior. I bet they'd do the same if prayuth actually physically punched the man.

He Can do no wrong in their eyes, too blinded by hate.

[lovetotravel]

He sounds more like one of Suthep thugs.

More like one of PTP's thugs. Remember the ones who wanted to burn down Bangkok?

[HeijoshinCool]

Gee, him and the Pope would get along fine.

[geriatrickid]

He's just being honest...refreshing from a politician.

You mean, true to his character? As the head of government, he is expected to maintain a level of decorum and to conduct himself appropriately.

I think he was just having a bad day. It happens. We all snap at someone sometimes. The General doesn't have that allowance for misbehaviour as he is a senior military officer and the current head of government. He screwed up. Maybe he'll learn his lesson, or more likely than not, he will continue to slowly unravel as he discovers that being the big boss isn't what he expected it to be.

[Prbkk]

He wants a hug.

[inbangkok]

"felt like punching a reporter for asking him a question he disliked"

And this guy is a PM???

No, he is not. He is a self appointed autocrat.

[NeverSure]

If you guys don't all shut up I'm going to punch you, LOL.

[city]

He should do a Yingluck and run off crying.

Or a Thaksin and sue the reporter.

Dont you get bored of defending another general gaff. These are not gaffs , like those made by real politicians, these are a true indication of the mans personality. I will leave you to work out his personality

[mikemac]

Maybe he is a TVF member who just likes feeding the trolls !

[lildragon]

He should do a Yingluck and run off crying.

Or a Thaksin and sue the reporter.

Dont you get bored of defending another general gaff. These are not gaffs , like those made by real politicians, these are a true indication of the mans personality. I will leave you to work out his personality

Cannot defend general, quick! Attack Shinwatras!

That old formula, tried and tested.

[mikemac]

He's just being honest...refreshing from a politician.

You mean, true to his character? As the head of government, he is expected to maintain a level of decorum and to conduct himself appropriately.

I think he was just having a bad day. It happens. We all snap at someone sometimes. The General doesn't have that allowance for misbehaviour as he is a senior military officer and the current head of government. He screwed up. Maybe he'll learn his lesson, or more likely than not, he will continue to slowly unravel as he discovers that being the big boss isn't what he expected it to be.

As surprised as I am, I agree with you gk.

The PM should conduct himself appropriately but as a former high ranking military man he probably did not major in diplomacy and has no time for idiots, and lets them know it.

He should be more like TS, instead of insulting the press or threatening with violence just sue them if they say something he does not want to hear or read.

[rubl]

"In response to the BBC comment, Manop said past Thai leaders had various styles when dealing with the media, but none had used [physical] intimidation."

Well, the captivating smile of Ms. Yingluck followed by ignoring a question or simply turning around could be felt as [psychological] blow to the male ego more devastating than a simple punch.

[trainman34014]

I would say this is the behavior of the normal Thai man. If there is anything they can't deal with they resort to violence because it's the last refuge of the incompetent.