PM Prayut says it's just a joke for travel ban to the US

[webfact]

Prayut says it's just a joke for travel ban to the US



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday denied his earlier remark at a business forum that he was not allowed to enter the United States, saying he didn't really mean it by just only joking.

The forum was organised by the US-based Wharton University of Pennsylvania last Friday.

He said, “I was only joking as many participants at the conference were Americans.”

He didn’t mean what he said as he joked he was banned entry while he allowed them to come in freely.

He said it was the media that sensationally played up his joke and turned it into an issue.

“I just teased them on whether or not they would deter me from going to the US while I do not bar them from doing business here and they laughed,” Gen Prayut said.

Gen Prayut said he will visit the US in September to attend the UN General Assembly in New York, accepting an invitation from UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.

He said some diplomatic procedures must be attended to prior to his visit.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/prayut-says-its-just-a-joke-for-travel-ban-to-the-us


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-18

[Linky]

Oh dear me

[Costas2008]

I think he's got my sense of humour.

Never appreciated by anybody.

Don't worry Prime Minister, people can't understand great minds like ours........................

[Somtamnication]

My ribs are hurting from his jokes. No, really, they are.

[geriatrickid]

I think he's got my sense of humour.

Never appreciated by anybody.

Don't worry Prime Minister, people can't understand great minds like ours........................

With supporters like you he doesn't need detractors. you do far more damage than good.

I happen to agree with the general, but your comment insults the man, even if that isn't your intent, or was it?

[jaidam]

Everyone understood it was a joke, but were waiting for him to actually land on US soil and be shackled in irons after disembarking before laughing. It's called a punchline, making jokes funnier since time began.

[berybert]

Took him 5 days to realize no one got his joke.

He could try the Royal Oak stand up comedy night for a bit of practice.

[Snig27]

Good grief - every time this man opens his mouth he underlines just how dim he actually is.

[berybert]

Good grief - every time this man opens his mouth he underlines just how dim he actually is.

I have come to the conclusion he only opens his mouth to break wind.

[Always18]

"....he will visit the US in September..................some diplomatic procedures must be attended to prior to his visit."

..............like trying to get the entry ban lifted perhaps?

[JOC]

I think he's got my sense of humour.

Never appreciated by anybody.

Don't worry Prime Minister, people can't understand great minds like ours........................

With great minds like yours (plural) no wonder Greece and Thailand belong to the worlds economic powerhouses!!

[JOC]

Sure the Americans are amused!! NOT

[Anthony5]

Maybe all his other announcements so far, especially those regarding elections in the future, are also a joke?

[Anthony5]

Gen Prayut said he will visit the US in September to attend the UN General Assembly in New York,

I remember another Thai gentleman visiting the UN in September 2006. Haven't seen him around lately.

[Mango Bob]

He's another George Carlin.

[Costas2008]

I think he's got my sense of humour.

Never appreciated by anybody.

Don't worry Prime Minister, people can't understand great minds like ours........................

With supporters like you he doesn't need detractors. you do far more damage than good.

I happen to agree with the general, but your comment insults the man, even if that isn't your intent, or was it?

geriatrickid, I would never thought, I would see the day that you will be supporting our Prime Minister.

Well done Sir, and please keep up the good work.

I'm proud of you.

[Laughing Gravy]

I think he's got my sense of humour.

Never appreciated by anybody.

Don't worry Prime Minister, people can't understand great minds like ours........................

You can't be serious. If you think that's great mind then you need help.

[mojorison]

Unfortunately he's here all week.

[willyumiii]

His actions have not put himself or Thailand in a position where joking about international or domestic relationships is appropriate.

I don't think he was joking and now is trying to cover his statement.

Not funny at all!

[NeverSure]

"...some diplomatic procedures must be attended to prior to his visit."

Yeah, like getting a visa.

[pinkpanther99]

I have nothing against Gen Prayuth but deary me this govt is in desperate need of a skilled public relations team.

Some of the comments and stories that are allowed to come out in the media are laughable - this story being no exception.

It seems that Prayuth has had little or no media training whatsoever.

But then again why would he, he's a military general and not a career politician.

[bkkcanuck8]

Sorry, I still don't get his humour. Is he or is he not banned from entering the US?

Note that treaties prevent the US from blocking people from attending the UN, but then may ban people from all entering for anything other than the UN.

So is he banned, or is he not?

i.e. can he fly on a normal passport to visit the US or will the visa be rejected (except for UN purposes)?

[Lupatria]

He didn’t mean what he said as he joked - Isn't that the case with many other issues?

Btw Costas are you breathing with your feet already? I just ask because your head seems to be stuck in something where its hard to do

[spermwhale]

WOw.. his original statement spawned a huge thread on Thai visa with the majority of the posters using it to slander the US...I and some others said on that thread he was full of S*** and that he could go...

This guy is a buffoon and makes Thailand really look bad. But since he's Thai... I'm not surprised by this. It's a fifth grade humor ... if it was a joke, which I think it wasn't.

[peptidebomber]

'There will not be a coup'

Apparently that was a joke too! Very funny man this General.

[Emster23]

How about this great side splitter?: "Take Thai democracy....... please!" Has them rolling in the aisles...

Edited March 18, 2015 by Emster23

[mikemac]

Sorry, I still don't get his humour. Is he or is he not banned from entering the US?

Note that treaties prevent the US from blocking people from attending the UN, but then may ban people from all entering for anything other than the UN.

So is he banned, or is he not?

i.e. can he fly on a normal passport to visit the US or will the visa be rejected (except for UN purposes)?

Try to keep up, and don't even bother trying to understand Thai humor, it will do your head in.

[maidee]

its ok, he is also just a joke

[DM07]

That guy is such a clown...ahm...I mean...a gifted comedian! <slide whistle>>boing<

[hhowy]

Not funny.