Prawit back at work after sick leave, claims he’ll be fit soon
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon returned to work yesterday after spending almost two weeks on sick leave.
Smiling but looking frail, the 72-yearold minister took questions from reporters before attending the Defence Council meeting. He walked and talked slowly, which was uncharacteristic of him.
He gave assurances, however, that he was in good spirits and should regain his strength in just over a week.
“I am okay. If I weren’t, I would have stopped working. There’s nothing to it,” he said when asked about his health, as he flashed a victory sign to confirm his remarks.
Concerns about Gen Prawit’s health intensified in the wake of the bomb blast at the army-run Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok, following which he kept a low profile.
He did not attend recent meetings of the cabinet and the National Council for Peace and Order.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said last Tuesday his deputy was ill but insisted it was usual for a person of his age.
It was unclear what kind of treatment Gen Prawit was receiving. One report said he had a heart operation while another said he was being treated for Meniere’s disease, a disorder that affects the inner ear and can cause vertigo.
Gen Prawit refused to discuss his health yesterday. The defence minister yesterday met the commanders of the three armed forces and the defence permanent secretary to catch up on work before chairing a meeting of the Defence Council to assess the security situation.
His recent absence was said to have dampened the military’s spirits. “It was rumoured that he was very ill and taking a really long break. Many officers felt nervous about the rumour,” said a general.
Army commander Chalermchai Sitthisat said Gen Prawit’s return was a morale booster for military officers.
Before yesterday, Gen Prawit, also deputy prime minister, was last seen in public on May 16 when he attended a cabinet meeting at Government House.
His illness has triggered speculation of a possible cabinet reshuffle. However, a source expressed confidence Gen Prawit would not be removed from the cabinet despite his ill health.