PM to hit the road
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha plans to go on a roadshow to meet people in different regions to gauge their opinions about the military government, says Siam Rath Weekly.
The PM will visit Chachoengsao and Rayong on Wednesday. After that, he will take the whole cabinet for a mobile meeting in the heartland of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Chiang Mai at the end of the month, according to an article entitled, “A Day with Big Tu: One Year in Power”.
“The visit to Chiang Mai will be a daring move by the government to test its popularity right in the enemy’s stronghold,’’ the article said.
It said the PM works all the time, even during his leisure hours at home.
“If any idea comes to his mind, or if he comes up on anything in the media that does not seem correct, he would call the government’s deputy spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd or send him a message through the Line chat programme immediately no matter how late at night,’’ the story said.
If the PM has time, he sometimes enjoys a round of golf at the Ratchapruek Club.
Since he became prime minister, however, Gen Prayut has not had much personal time. He has not been to a department store for several years since the political conflicts erupted.
He also does not want to bother other people with his security detail if he goes out during the weekends, the story said.
What people may not know is the PM is a big movie buff. Gen Prayut watches all types of films but his preferred genres are drama and history. He revealed that his latest favourite is the movie Lincoln.
At present, some people are concerned about how Gen Prayut would wrap up his tenure in power. Few prime ministers who came to power through coups have managed to make a graceful exit from politics.
These include Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon, who ended his career with the bloody May protest, and Gen Surayud Chulanont, who is often accused of wasting the 2006 coup.
In an earlier interview, Gen Prayut seemed nonchalant about the prospect. “I am not concerned about getting off after riding on a tiger’s back,’’ Gen Prayut said, referring to his time in power.
“I think I would be better off killing the tiger before stepping down,’’ the PM said.