Prayuth rules out forming a political party

There were rumours that Prayuth may form a political party, which would be seen as an move by some military factions to create a lasting influence.
“I want to assure you that we only came to solve problems and help the country progress; we have never had any political agenda and never thought of creating a political party. I never think about that, this is already too tiring.”
Prayuth said he did not come to power by a military coup, but rather he “came in to help a government that couldn’t function”, before he jokingly asked, “that sounds better, doesn’t it?”
Prayuth said he planned to have mobile Cabinet meetings around the nation to better understand  problems and demands of the people.
Asked if he dared to go to the Northeastern region which is the stronghold of Pheu Thai Party and the red shirts, Prayuth said: “As long as it is Thailand, I will go. Wherever it is, North, Northeast and South. I’m Thai and not the enemy of any Thai. Don’t force me to take sides.”
Asked if he has many enemies, Prayuth said no, adding “if I have some, my guards must take care of it.”
The meeting was aimed at establishing an understanding about implementation of the policies laid out by the PM in his address to the National Legislative Assembly last week.
He asked the officials to modify their approach to the grassroots level. “When you talk to grassroots people, try to think like them and speak to them in their language.”
There were questions with regard to Prayuth’s lucky charms and his belief in auspicious times.
 “I am a Thai person and I just follow our traditions like all Thais ... who in this room doesn’t wear a Buddha necklace? We all do,” he responded.
On Tuesday, Prayuth explained to reporters the significance of each of the four rings he wears.
Yesterday, he continued his effort to make friends with reporters by singing  “Returning Happiness to the Thai People” song that he had composed, adding he could do better with some instruments.
This song is a popular anthem of the junta’s administration that has been playing every day since the military staged a coup in May.
He also said he would shorten his “Bringing Happiness to People” telecast on Fridays because  he is afraid people might get bored with him.
Prayuth said he would make his first foreign trip in November, but did not reveal the country. The Foreign Ministry had said earlier that his first visit would be to Myanmar.
Asked if his future trips would include the United States, he said “yes, if they want me to visit”.