Govt: Bt10m flood bash is to say thanks, mend fences

“The party’s main objective is to show appreciation although reconciliation might be a by-product,” PM’s Office permanent secretary Tongthong Chandransu said yesterday.
About 500 guests have been invited and chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanond is scheduled to preside over the event.
Tongthong said the country could overcome the flood crisis because all sides had cooperated in the relief efforts.
Party organisers selected uplifting music to be played during the party in order to convey the government’s gratefulness to all Thais, he said, noting the event would be broadcast live because not everyone could attend.
He said he was aware of critical views but decided the benefits of boosting confidence on flood control would justify the party.
He said due to the necessity to cap the guest list, the government opted to invite leaders of each institution, such as the House speaker in lieu of every lawmaker. A number of privy councillors, including Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, Amphon Senanarong and Kamthon Sindhvananda, had accepted the invitation to the party.
In regard to the party’s budget, about Bt3.5 million will cover the expense of food and facilities, and Bt6.5 million will be spent on lighting, the performing stage and the orchestra from Mahidol University’s College of Music.
Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit urged critics of the government to look to the future instead of dwelling on the past.
Yongyuth said those questioning the government’s motive for the party should know that he too was a subordinate of Prem, saying their ties dated back to 1994.
“I always dress like Pa,” he said in reference to Prem’s Thai dress.
He said it was a misconception to portray the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration as being close to Prem and the present government as being distant.
He also stated that he did not want to talk about the past when the red shirts rallied in front of Prem’s residence.