THEY SAID IT
“THE ELECTION PROCESS WILL BEGIN NEXT YEAR.”
Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, prime minister, chief aerobics instructor, head of the ruling military council (NCPO), carefully avoids giving a year for the 2015 election to be held.
“WE HAVE A TWOCONSTITUTION STATE.” Pornsan Liangboonlertchai, political science professor, Chulalongkorn University, on retention of Section 44 powers.
“I NEVER TOLD THEM THIS WAS A TOUR.”
Pasist “Sin Sae Shogun” Arinchayalapis, vitamin supplement vendor, after 2,000 people were defrauded over promises for a cheap Songkran tour of Japan.
“I DON’T THINK BRN WOULD ISSUE SUCH A STATEMENT.” Gen Aksara Kerdphol, after the Barisan Revolusi Nasional issued a statement dismissing talks between the government Mara Patani, a Malaysia-based group.
“IT WILL BENEFIT THE PEOPLE.”
Seree Suwanpanont, chairman, National Reform Steering Assembly committee on political reform, on the bill to re-accommodate terms of elected kamnan and phuyaiban.
“WE NEED TO MAINTAIN ORDER.”
Chalermchai Sittisat, commander, Royal Thai Army, backs the decision of the military regime to maintain all powers of Section 44.
“THESE POWERS WILL ONLY BE EXERCISED WHEN NECESSARY.”
Wissanu Krea-ngam, deputy prime minister and top cabinet legal eagle, on the use of Section 44 decrees.
“IT DOESN’T TARNISH THE GOVERNMENT’S IMAGE.”
Don Pramudwinai, minister of foreign affairs, sees no blowback from the continued use of Section 44.
“RESTRICTION ON THE DHAMMAKAYA TEMPLE IS REVOKED.”
Prime Minister Prayut revokes his Section 44 order to besiege the temple and re-accommodate sect founder Phra Dhammajayo.
“PARTIES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RESUME ACTIVITIES.”
Supachai Somcharoen, chairman, Election Commission, opposes the junta ban on political activities now that a new constitution has been royally endorsed.
“PARTIES MUST EXERCISE PATIENCE.”
Col Piyapong Klingpan, NCPO spokesman, says the ban on political activities is necessary as “order has not been fully restored”.