Prayut must play fair

For those curious about the political future of Prime Minister and military regime leader Prayut Chan-o-cha, the old saying “actions speak louder than words” makes things clearer. When talking to the media this week, Gen Prayut insisted he had no idea about his political future. But the actions of those around him, or people in his circle, especially leading figures of the Sam Mitr group, are very suggestive.

Gen Prayut repeated a statement that he would make a public announcement on his future next month.

“I don’t know whether I’ll go or stay on. I have to look at the law and the constitution. I have to consider what I should stay on for,” he said.

While he keeps ducking the media’s question, the Sam Mitr leaders, comprising veteran politicians Somsak Thepsuthin and Suriya Jungrungreangkij, are not shying away from showering support for the regime leader standing in the election that will take place next year, according to the junta’s political road map. With allegations that it has siphoned former MPs from old parties, in particular Pheu Thai, the group is strongly allied with the pro-military party Phalang Pracharat.

Yet, the group adamantly denied it has any political motive. It just “tries to be helpful by gathering issues from among the grass roots for the regime to respond better to the needs of local people”.

Mr Somsak at one time said Gen Prayut should return as prime minister after the election. He praised the regime leader as the person who “put an end to Thailand’s colour-coded politics”. The statement has been widely challenged.

However, the freedom of the Sam Mitr group to engage in political activities, while others still face strict restrictions, has triggered an outcry over possible double standards.

The Election Commission also said it has monitored the group’s activities to see if it violated the law. Its president, Supachai Somcharoen, noted in particular that even if the group is not breaching the Political Parties Act, what it is doing may breach a regime order that bans gatherings of five people. In fact, the regime and state authorities have overused the order, especially to suppress those who disagree with them. Worse, the newly established Future Forward Party has encountered strong measures against it as it is seen as jumping the gun. The military regime cites the need for all parties to “set off at the same time” when it eases the ban.

Just as other factions face restrictions in political activities, top government officials like Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon have been kind to the Sam Mitr group. Gen Prawit, in particular, dismissed the allegations, saying the group which “is still not a political party” has freedom and its actions should not constitute a violation of the Political Parties Act. He stopped short of mentioning the political ban.

Gen Prawit should know such use of political rhetoric will not solve anything. It will plunge Thailand into the same old political trap and efforts toward national reconciliation will just go to waste.

More importantly, there is another big question about budget allocation, as the regime recently decided to fork out an extra 2.7 billion baht for Pracharat projects. Naturally, such use of funds can be regarded as a tactic to make political gains. It’s not a coincidence that the name of the projects resembles that of the military-leaning party.

It may take Gen Prayut a few more weeks to make a decision, albeit officially, about his political future. He and the regime should no longer delay the political activities of others, especially when it’s clear that some factions, in particular those with military connections, have enjoyed the regime’s favour.

If Gen Prayut wants to stay on in politics, he must ensure a level playing field. This is the only way he can earn respect and retain his dignity.