Prayut turns 61, seeks media support as birthday present
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AFTER listening to reporters sing 'Happy Birthday' to him yesterday, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha - who turns 61 today - said he would like to have the hearts and support from members of the press as his birthday present. Meanwhile, a Government House journalist wished him success in his work - and a lot of patience in return.

"I would like to have the support of all members of the press, and I would like to thank you all [for the birthday wishes]. I would like everyone to contribute their utmost best to society," the premier said.

A representative of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday also presented a vase of flowers to Prayut to congratulate him. The Armed Forces commanders and other state agencies also showed up at Government House to offer their best wishes.

The premier was on his way to the Santi Maitree building to preside over a ceremony to hand awards to the winners of essays on the government-initiated Twelve Core Values, when the press gathered to sing him 'Happy Birthday'. He waited until the song ended and gave them a wai to thank them in return.

During the ceremony, the premier came up with an idea to translate the government-initiated songs on the Twelve Core Values into English. The premier said that around 5,000 people had taken part in the contest.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Prayut-turns-61-seeks-media-support-as-birthday-pr-30256490.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-21

Yes release the Core Value songs in English so we can all bop along

If the songs have to be bought will foreigners have to pay at least double the cost for Thais ?

Bound to be a big hit, Number 1 With A Bullet. Sorry, maybe bullet is the wrong choice of word these days.

I know people may find this strange, but I do respect PM General Prayut. In the bad old days of apartheid South Africa, all my generation (all the whites that is) were subject to compulsory military training and senior people like the PM did exist in the defense force. They were not diplomatic at all, but they were leaders, and each could be described as a 'mans man'.

For all his faults, IMO, I honestly think he does mean well, and seems to be tireless. I am 3 years younger than him but I would never be able maintain his current workload, which is far greater than I have seen by previous PM's.

He needs some professional PR assistance. I just wish he wouldn't make embarrassing statements himself, although his 'staff' do seem to be a little more vocal now?

- unless I am imagining it? Hopefully the end result will be of benefit to Thailand as a whole. I sincerely hope so.

Edited March 20, 201511 yr by NeilSA1

His lifespan almost mirrors the long fight for Thai democracy that began in 1932.

He seeks media support? Did he ask for the media's support or the Thai people's support, majority for example before he initiated the military coup?

Respect, support, loyalty, understanding etc etc is a two-way street but it seems the PM wants it one-way and all in his direction.

It's a great way to win the hearts of the media by showing so much impatience, even disgust, in their direction and openly stating he wanted to punch a reporter. Oh sorry, he was only joking again, wasn't he ?

He has gone from taking, to demanding, to asking. It is progress.....for him.

Happy birthday PM, and many (coup) returns.... joking aside, I like the man, he seems

to be a genuine caring person for the Thai people and Thailand's future....

Happy birthday director general,

Thank you for enjoyment of your daily gaffes since 22 May. Never mind, you still remain the pin up boy for all up and coming leaders of China and North Korea

Respect is earned.

Try to earn it the good old fashioned way...hard work. Working for YOUR people to make their lives better.

Prayut turns 61, seeks media support as birthday present

Those Nation reporters English language skills are still not good.

Prayut turns 61, seeks media support attention as birthday present

I would like to thank you all [for the birthday wishes].

Was he throwing bananas at them in return?

My birthday present is in the mail. "Common Sense: A new constitution for Britain" by Tony Benn and Andrew Hood.

<<During the ceremony, the premier came up with an idea to translate the government-initiated songs on the Twelve Core Values into English. The premier said that around 5,000 people had taken part in the contest.<<

He just came up with the idea, and still 5000 people managed to participate!!

Edited March 21, 201511 yr by JOC

Happy birthday.

I wonder, where were all the well wishers representing the people??

Considering the generals 104% support, strange none of them came by...................

<<During the ceremony, the premier came up with an idea to translate the government-initiated songs on the Twelve Core Values into English. The premier said that around 5,000 people had taken part in the contest.<<

He just came up with the idea, and still 5000 people managed to participate!!

Please read again. You are talking about two different things.

Pathetic..the longer he stays in power the more he starts to sound like a politician.

<<During the ceremony, the premier came up with an idea to translate the government-initiated songs on the Twelve Core Values into English. The premier said that around 5,000 people had taken part in the contest.<<

He just came up with the idea, and still 5000 people managed to participate!!

Please read again. You are talking about two different things.

However you interpret it, it is still ridiculous.

Happy birthday PM, and many (coup) returns.... joking aside, I like the man, he seems

to be a genuine caring person for the Thai people and Thailand's future....

Actually agree with you, but a little qualifications wouldn't hurt.........................

As for his 12 core values...........since it his birthday and all, I will be nice and refrain.................

The media was the main target of the PM's negative comments and, now, he wants their support ?

Happy Birtnday, General.

You are doing the country a service.

Hell knows where it would have gone,had you not stepped in.

Happy Birthday Prime Minister.

I hope you have many more years to live and give your excellent and inspired services to this country.

Thailand needs you.

I think every world leader would like to have a biased media for their birthday.

For most it would be political suicide to ask for it though.

General to Media: "When I want your opinion I'll give it to you."

<<During the ceremony, the premier came up with an idea to translate the government-initiated songs on the Twelve Core Values into English. The premier said that around 5,000 people had taken part in the contest.<<

He just came up with the idea, and still 5000 people managed to participate!!

Please read again. You are talking about two different things.

However you interpret it, it is still ridiculous.

Can't argue with that.

Yes. Happy Birthday. I hope you get it right soon.

Happy Birthday Prime Minister.

I hope you have many more years to live and give your excellent and inspired services to this country.

Thailand needs you.

It's up to Thais to decide if they need him and the only way for that to happen is an election. There is NO WAY he could win one and he and his puppet master know this.

Happy birthday PM, and many (coup) returns.... joking aside, I like the man, he seems

to be a genuine caring person for the Thai people and Thailand's future....

You clearly have no idea what is going on here. The man does not represent the wishes of the Thai people, if he did, he wouldn't so fear elections.

Good people don't mistreat others as the General has done and continues to do.

Happy Birthday Prime Minister.

I hope you have many more years to live and give your excellent and inspired services to this country.

Thailand needs you.

The main problem with the General's advanced age is it doesn't leave enough years, before mortality inevitably catches up with him, to serve the 50 to 60 years of jail time he deserves.