Prayut's place in Thai history is assured

When you’re entrusted with a great responsibility, you’ll feel drained sometimes, especially when you don’t have to accept it. I find the saying so accurate, that it is always lonely at the top. And I think this is the predicament that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha finds himself in today.

Last week at an economic forum, the prime minister was asked whether there would be a cabinet reshuffle. It appeared he did not say yes or no, telling the reporter, “I’m not that knight in shining armour on a white horse…Besides, my horse is crippled”.

And because of that, it’s time to address that question of a cabinet reshuffle seriously. It is not a question of if but when. 

The country cannot move forward because the horse is “crippled”. Prayut surrounds himself with not one but several horses in such condition. Indeed, the crisis is multiplying daily and there is no more time to waste.

Speculation has it that when the reshuffle comes, if it comes at all, those who will be affected will be the civilians on the economic team. But it would not be fair to those civilians if they were to take the blame alone. Even in places that the men in uniform are supposed to be in because of their expertise, their performance is hardly anything that merits consideration in contributing to national development overall.

I honestly believe that there is still enough goodwill and support among the general populace who want to see Prayut succeed. Prayut has shown decisiveness before and he can do it again. As law-abiding citizens we will not forget that and Prayut’s place in Thai history will be assured.

Prachyadavi Tavedikul