Pridiyathorn explains post-coup scenario to outgoing US envoy
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Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula expressed hope yesterday that the United States would have a better understanding of Thailand's post-coup government following his meeting with US Ambassador Kristie Kenney.
The American envoy paid a courtesy call on Pridiyathorn at Government House yesterday morning before the end of her term in Thailand next month.
Pridiyathorn said after the meeting that he had explained to Kenney many issues involving the current unelected administration, which has been in power for more than three weeks. He said the US envoy wanted to know whether the current Thai government was serious about running the country.
“I explained to her and I think the US will understand. The US is a big country and we need to explain so that they understand it. When the US sees that we are serious about our work, they should have confidence,” Pridiyathorn said.
“The US may see that we work better than an elected government does,” he added.
Pridiyathorn said the US ambassador discussed with him a variety of issues and asked him many questions. “I explained every issue on what we have done and the benefits,” he said. “Judging from the expression in her eyes, I believe the ambassador understood.”
Kenney, who has served as the US ambassador to Thailand since January 2011, will complete her term next month. Her successor is expected to assume the post in January.
According to the Thai government website (thaigov.go.th), Pridiyathorn explained to Kenney about Thailand’s plan for sweeping reforms in many areas, including the energy sector. Reform of the sector aims to ensure fairness to all parties, with real benefits for the people, Pridiyathorn was quoted as saying.
The Deputy PM told Kenney that Thailand would welcome foreign investors in future energy projects, and the US envoy responded with a concrete plan on the matter. She was confident that American investors would be interested in such projects.
The US ambassador also praised Thailand’s progress in medical science, particularly involving research on anti-virus vaccines. She expressed US readiness to cooperate with Thailand in this area.
Siriraj Hospital recently announced its success in developing an antibody to fight the deadly Ebola virus. In a separate development, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday confirmed speculation that another Cabinet member would be appointed soon but refused to confirm whether it would be Amnuay Patise.
There has been speculation Amnuay will become deputy agriculture minister.
“You should wait for the Royal endorsement [of the appointment],” he said when asked if Amnuay would be named to the Cabinet.
