THEY SAID IT

“IF EVERYONE WANTS ME TO STAY ON, I WILL DO SO.” Gen Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha offers himself to serve the nation for another two years or more.

“I AM A MAN OF PRINCIPLE, AND MAKE MY OWN JUDGEMENT.” Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, national chief, on considering whether to strip the fugitive ex-premier of his police rank.

“HIS DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT WAS CANCELLED ON DEC 15, 2008.” Maj Gen Weerachon Sukontapatipak, government spokesman, “guarantees” that all the fugitive’s travel documents have been cancelled.

“THE ARMY WILL GIVE NO ASSISTANCE TO HIM.” Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, army commander, on reports an arrest warrant for human trafficking has been issued for Lt Gen Manas Kongpan.

“HE IS CHARGED WITH COLLUDING WITH MORE THAN THREE PEOPLE TO COMMIT HUMAN TRAFFICKING.” Pol Gen Somyot on the Manas case.

“THAI CORPORATIONS HAVE ENOUGH CASH.” Standard and Poor’s rating services says credit outlook is “stable” despite a sluggish economy.

“THE PRIME MINISTER LISTENS TO ONE-SIDED INFORMATION.” Alee Channam, Krabi People Who Love the Sea, on opposition to construction of a coalfired plant in the southern province.

“A COALITION GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE THE COUNTRY WEAK.” Sombat Thamrongtanyawong, National Reform Council, says the draft constitution intends to prevent any political party from gaining a majority.

“THE UNITED STATES WILL FLY, SAIL AND OPERATE WHEREVER INTERNATIONAL LAW ALLOWS.” Ashton Carter, US defence secretary, in confrontations with Chinese officials over “the Great Wall of Sand” in the South China Sea.

“I THOUGHT HE WOULD BE TOUGHER.” Snr Col Xiaozhuo Zhao, Chinese PLA, after speaking with Mr Carter.