PM rejects ‘Prem Model’

Prayut willing to mull premier role at poll time

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday dismissed calls for him to stay in power via the so-called “Prem Model”, saying he had no plans for the future as yet, though conceded the matter could be discussed around election time.

Support for the prime minister from members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) has grown since the draft charter and additional question were approved at the referendum.

NRSA member Wanchai Sornsiri had suggested Gen Prayut look to the Prem Model — referring to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda who served as unelected leader for eight years — to stay in power.

Similarly, another NRSA member, Sompong Sakawee, said the prime minister’s aides have suggested the military sets up a political party in a bid to retain stability.

“I don’t have any ideas. I am concentrated on my work and on running the country for the remaining time, which is hard enough. The future isn’t here. The organic laws are not yet finished either. Let’s talk about this when an election comes,” Gen Prayut said.

“What can I say now? People can do what they want but they shouldn’t drag me into it. It doesn’t matter if they have good or bad intentions,” he added.

When asked about remarks he made last Friday, in which he said he was willing to stay on in power through democratic means, Gen Prayut said the media had misinterpreted his words.

“I didn’t mean to say I would stay on. The media just can’t help making interpretations,” he said.

The prime minister refused to clarify his comments, saying he principally wants to see stability and reforms take root.

Deputy Democrat leader Nipit Intarasombat yesterday played down reports that Gen Prayut’s supporters discussed with Mr Sompong the possibility of setting up a political party.

He said he did not think the talk was serious because Mr Sompong was not an expert on the issue and Mr Sompong was known to have affiliations with the antimilitary Pheu Thai Party.

However, Mr Nipit said Gen Prayut could easily set up a political party owing to his popularity. But the challenge would be to ensure the party lasts and does not crumble after one election.

Pheu Thai Party acting secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said the military would win public support if it followed a democratic process.

He declined to comment on reports that setting up a political party requires 5,000 members, saying the organic laws were not yet completed and it would take four to five months before details were clear, Mr Phumtham said.

Gen Prayut said yesterday he plans to reshuffle his cabinet and appoint more deputy ministers to help with ministerial work.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture may need a deputy minister.

“I’m making plans, but the reshuffle will not take place today,” he said.

On the appointment of 30 new NLA members, Gen Prayut said he had heard there was heavy lobbying for seats, yet those people would not be given the jobs. The prime minister clarified that those who jockeyed for NLA seats did not directly approach him.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam yesterday defended increasing the number of NLA seats, saying NLA members had a lot of work to do, especially to enforce the new charter.

He said the NLA would have to deliberate and make laws and reforms because the NRSA would be dissolved 120 days after the charter is promulgated.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said more people were needed to ease the workload.

Gen Prawit yesterday also denied reports that Gen Prayut’s supporters were seeking advice from Mr Sompong.

He also said that calls by some politicians for the prime minister to set up a political party and contest elections were not sincere.

Gen Prawit declined to comment on Mr Wanchai’s Prem Model call, saying it was not his idea.

In a separate turn of events, NLA member Sathit Sawinthon, 77, collapsed yesterday while having lunch at parliament.

Mr Sathit fell as he stood up from his seat and fell unconscious. He was given first aid and taken to hospital where he was said to be in good health.

On Sunday, charter writer and NLA member Niwat Sripen died from pancreatic cancer. He was 61.

On Aug 19, he suffered chest pains and passed out while attending a budget meeting at parliament Building 3. He was given oxygen and rushed to hospital.

A royally sponsored bathing rite was held at Wat That Thong yesterday.

What can I say now? People can do what they want but they shouldn’t drag me into it.

GEN PRAYUT CHAN-O-CHA PRIME MINISTER