Prem refers to PM’s recent lack of support

PRIVY Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda said Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha might have run out of support when the premier made a New Year’s visit yesterday.

“Tu has almost used up all of his supporting force. You almost don’t have any support left,” the 97-year-former prime minister said, calling Prayut by his nickname. “But if you can demonstrate goodwill to Thai people, your support will automatically come.”
“I believe Tu can do that. Everyone can do that,” he said. “The most important thing is behaving yourselves as a good example for Thai people, showing them how good Thai people are.”
While it is not unusual for the two retired generals to meet, it is rare for Prem to point out what could be seen as Prayut’s political flaws.
Opinion polls regarding the 63-year-old junta premier have fluctuated during his three-year premiership, which could come to an end next year if Prayut’s promise of an election in November is fulfilled.

The junta government claims maintaining security and a fast legislative process demonstrate its successful performance. Yet political observers said that has been achieved by tight repression, especially against political differences, and handpicked legislators.
Meanwhile, although having ended his eight-year premiership in 1989, Prem remains an influential figure whom every premier since has visited at his Si Sao Thewes residence on special occasions.
The tradition has been strictly kept by Prayut, who yesterday led Cabinet members and military leaders to bless last year’s Regent Pro Tempore in light of the new year.
“2018 should be a year of success to bring the country to a sustainable peace,” Prayut said
“You, as Privy Council president and statesman, have been a model to us all,” he said. “We are determined to follow what you once said: ‘Once we are born, we have to repay the country no matter what our status is.’” 
Among the agendas raised by Prayut were reducing economic inequality as well as loyalty to the monarchy and all Royal Family members. 
“We always adhere to maintain stability of the [monarchical] institution and will do everything to create acceptance … on what we will cooperate on to move the country forward,” he said.
Officials visiting Prem yesterday included Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda, the PM’s secretary-general General Vilas Aroonsri and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan.
Later in the day, Prayut also visited Prawit to give him a New Year’s blessing. “I would like him to stay healthy and strong to perform our duties at our best,” Prayut said. “From previous years to next year, we will pave a strong foundation for the country’s sustainability.”
Prawit, who has been heavily criticised after being photographed wearing a series of luxury watches, spurring questions about his “unusual wealth”, also almost received a visit by activist Ekachai Hongkangwan.
Ekachai was stopped as he was waiting for Prawit in front of Prem’s residence to give a Bt1,000 watch to the minister in what was seen as a political statement.
Police officers escorted him away from the area without pressing any charges or detaining him.