Prayut’s UTN adviser picks irk opposition MPs

The opposition yesterday slammed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s decision to appoint several key figures from the United Thai Nation (UTN) party as his advisers ahead of the election.

The issue was raised by Pheu Thai MP Jirayu Huangsap at a House meeting yesterday. He called the appointment of UTN members as PM advisers inappropriate, if not an outright breach of ethics.

He said Gen Prayut made it clear in their appointment order that all state agencies must help his advisers, which the opposition fears could pave the way for the abuse of state funds.

PM’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana clarified the matter on Gen Prayut’s behalf, saying the advisers’ appointments were well within the prime minister’s authority, and the advisers do not enjoy special privileges.

Any request for additional funds by the advisers must be approved by Gen Prayut, he said.

Gen Prayut currently has six people serving as his advisers: Patcharaporn Inseeyong, Trairong Suwannakhiri, Dissathat Hotrakit, Chatchawal Kong-udom, Chumpol Kanchana and Seksakol Atthawong.

Mr Chatchawal, Mr Chumpol and Mr Seksakol were appointed this week.

“These advisers are here to assist the prime minister on issues they are well-versed in. We’ve explained this issue several times and we’d better not waste the House’s time.

“You’re free to scrutinise their work. And if you question the timing of their appointments, there are laws we must comply with,” he said.

Last month, Gen Prayut also appointed UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as the prime minister’s secretary-general, a position dubbed by some critics the “No 2” prime minister. With the next election slated for May 7, critics questioned the timing of the appointments and pointed out the UTN might gain an advantage over other parties.

Tassanee Buranapakorn, Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Mai, said the appointment of UTN figures indicated Gen Prayut’s intention to use the party as a vehicle to return to power.

She expressed concern these individuals could intervene to give the UTN an edge in the election.