Prayuth: Keep the king out of it
The coup of May 22 was a decision of army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha. He took it alone; the monarchy was not involved.
“His Majesty never gave an order. Never involve him again," he said yesterday at a forum that kicked off the national reform campaign. "I take full responsibility whether the coup is right or wrong. Leave His Majesty alone. I pay respect to his image every day and ask for his forgiveness.'
In his speech, the coup leader discussed the post of interim prime minister, who will soon be elected by the legislative assembly (NLA, emergency parliament). 'Anyone who wants to be prime minister can apply. I'll be happy if I don't have to do anything, but sometimes it's necessary.'
On the formation of the National Reform Council (NRC), Prayuth said that the selection of members will start on Thursday. The NRC will consist of 250 members: 77, elected by a selection committee in each province and Bangkok, and the remainder from eleven professional groups, such as politics, local government, education, energy, public health, economics, media, justice and social issues.
Prayuth called the reform process a "milestone" in the country's history, as the country has not seen any major reforms since the Siamese Revolution of 1932. “Today is a historic day. Those who don't show up will not be part of history.'
Speaking abroad, Prayuth said some countries are struggling to understand the reform process. 'But it must continue. Thailand's democracy must be developed by the Thai people themselves. Sometimes a democratic system from the West may not be suitable for the specific circumstances of the country.'
The formation of the NRC is the second stage of the junta's three-step plan: reconciliation, reform, elections. Elections will not be held until the end of next year at the earliest, when a new (final) constitution comes into force. A provisional constitution is currently in force. A committee will write the new constitution.
An interim cabinet is expected to take office early next month. The cabinet is composed by the interim prime minister. Once the cabinet has issued its policy statement in the emergency parliament, it can get to work.
Last week, the NLA met for the first time and the chairman and two vice-chairmen were elected. The royal signature confirming their election is awaited.
Heavy toll
Prayuth also had a personal note in his speech. “I am paying a heavy price for overthrowing the Yingluck government. My marriage is under strain, my wife is about to leave me. Since May 22, I have been working non-stop for 400 baht a day. I don't get anything, I have no ambitions.' Prayuth is married to Naraporn Chan-ocha, who left Chulalongkorn University three years ago to become president of the Thai Army Wives Association, a full-time job.
According to political observers, Prayuth was tense after declaring the coup and during his first TV speech. But gradually he seems to relax, according to these coffee grounds viewers. His retirement as army chief will take effect at the end of the month, but many speculate that he will stay on as NCPO head and also become prime minister.
Red Shirt leader Veerakarn Musikapong, who attended the forum, says Prayuth deserves to become prime minister "as the one who staged the coup and as the head of the NCPO."
(Source: Bangkok Post, August 10, 2014)