THEY SAID IT
“WHY THE HELL ARE YOU ASKING THIS?”
Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, commander, National Council for Peace and Order, to media who asked him if the Siam Paragon bomber intended to damage the government’s credibility.
“THE STATE WOULD NEVER DO THAT.”
Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, junta member, visibly upset about rumours the military regime set off the time bombs at Siam Paragon to justify more martial law restrictions.
“THIS IS TYPICAL THAILAND.”
Mika Grund, Dutch tourist, on why the bombing does not deter his Bangkok activities.
“PEOPLE ARE NOT CONFIDENT [THE ECONOMY] WILL MAKE A COMEBACK.”
Thanavath Phonvichai, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, after its monthly poll showed consumer confidence dropped in January after December’s two-year high.
“THAILAND: THE RETURN OF DEFLATION.”
ANZ bank, after the Thai inflation rate fell below zero in January.
“WE VIEW THAT [IT IS] NEGATIVE INFLATION.”
Mathee Supapongse, assistant governor, Bank of Thailand, explains Thailand will never have deflation.
“AT THE START OF NEXT YEAR THERE WILL BE A NEW GENERAL ELECTION.”
Gen Prayut, who added the reform “roadmap we have planned is moving forward as scheduled”.
“OPEN UP YOUR MIND!”
Dhammakaya temple’s Facebook page brusquely rejects widespread criticism of its fourth traffic-blocking march.
“LET THE NIGHTMARE FOR JAPAN BEGIN.”
Islamic State executioner, just before killing the second Japanese hostage, Kenji Goto.
“WE WILL MAKE THE TERRORISTS PAY.”
Shinzo Abe, prime minister, in the first such vow by a Japanese leader since World War II.
“THE US … MADE A WRONG MOVE BY SAYING SOMETHING INAPPROPRIATE.”
Kitti Wasinont, NLA, on why he invited US diplomat W Patrick Murphy to testify on Washington’s “involvement in Thai politics”.