High praise for Thailand's new interim prime minister

Many Prayuth Chan-ocha on the front page and first page of the supplement Business of Bangkok Post Today. 'NLA picks Prayuth as prime minister' is the pontifical headline of the newspaper, as if this had not been in line with expectations from the outset.

Because half of the newly formed emergency parliament, or National Legislative Assembly in English, consists of current and retired police officers and army officers and you have to come from a very good background not to choose your own boss (or classmate from your training time).

Yesterday, the NLA elected Prayuth as interim prime minister with 191 votes and 3 abstentions (from the Presidium). He is the face of the junta, which took power from the (demissonary) Yingluck government on May 22 after declaring martial law two days earlier.

According to the newspaper, "many members of the public" [how does the newspaper know this?] hope that after the coming year Prayuth will have done the difficult task of moving the country forward and a mountain of problems in the political, economic and social fields has resolved.

Many comments in the article:

• Former opposition leader Abhisit: Prayuth's performance is judged by how successful he is in bringing about political reform.
• Wutisarn Tanchai, Secretary General of King Prajadhipok's Institute: People have high expectations of him.
• Political scientist Chaiwat Khamchu: Don't expect too much because Prayuth only has one year to run the country, Prayuth is an ordinary person, not a superman.
• Supachai Panitchpakdi, former Secretary General of Unctad: The new prime minister should appoint capable people to his cabinet.
• Supant Monkolsuthree, president of the Federation of Thai Industries: Thailand's future is in safe hands with an interim government led by Prayuth.

Businesses are also full of praise

On the front page of the Business section, this is added even more. Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) vice-chairman makes a case for economic reforms led by the Ministry of Science and Technology, not the Ministries of Trade and Industry, with a greater role for Finance to support taxes and incentives . Further:

• Boonsithi Chokwatana, chairman of the Saha group (consumer products): Prayuth is resolute and dares to work quickly. His character is well suited to lead the country and revive the economy.
• TCC Chairman Isara Vongkusolkit: Business people have pinned their hopes on Prayuth to lift the country out of the political crisis and fight corruption.
• Pattera Dilokrungthirapot, President of the Association of Securities Companies: I hope the new Prime Minister accelerates development. Foreign investors are calling for action to restore their confidence.
• Leigh Scott-Kemmis, President of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce: I think this is the best option given the events. The challenge is now Thailand out of the middle income trap to get. High-tech industry is crucial for this.
• Economist Tim Leelahaphan: The appointment of an interim government is good for domestic spending and investment. Because the junta focuses on long-term economic reforms, populist measures next year are unlikely.
• Kemathat Paladesh, president of Bangkok Media and Broadcasting Co: Prayuth as prime minister inspires more confidence among both Thai and foreign investors.
• Only a canonization is still missing.

(Source: Bangkok Post, August 22, 2014)

Photos: Prayuth visited Chon Buri yesterday, where the establishment of the 21st Infantry Regiment Royal Guards was commemorated 64 years ago. The woman dressed in purple is his wife.