Prayut returns as prime minister

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PM orders intensified crackdown on call-centre scams

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the Royal Thai Police to step up crackdowns on call-centre scams.

Deputy government spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul said on Wednesday that Prayut wanted the two agencies to lead integrated operations to crack down on the scammers and bring them to book.

The prime minister gave the order after being overwhelmed with public complaints that many Thais had fallen prey to the scammers. The scams appeared to have become more rampant since of late, the spokeswoman said.

“The ministry and the police are under orders to integrate efforts with other government agencies concerned to speed up action and prevent more damage to the people,” Trisulee said.

She said the prime minister emphasised that all scammers must be hit with all counts of related laws without any exemption.

If any government officials are found to be in cahoots with scammers or take no action against the scams, both disciplinary and legal action will be taken against them, Trisulee warned.

The prime minister said all government agencies concerned must provide channels for people to inform the authorities about possible scams. He instructed the agencies to involve the public in crackdowns.

The government agencies were also instructed to launch public awareness campaigns so that people would be aware of the tricks used by scammers and would not fall victim to them, she said.

“Scammers currently come in several guises. Some claim to be employees of logistics firms and some disguise themselves as police officers, court officials or bank employees,” Traisulee said.

She said some scammers have used IP technology to make fake calls as if the calls originated from abroad.

Younger relatives should also monitor their parents or grandparents to prevent them from falling victim to the gangs, she added. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011280

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New party ready to welcome PM Prayut

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha would be invited to lead the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party if the coalition-core Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) continues to pressure him, the new party's founder said on Wednesday.

Seksakol Atthawong, vice minister at the Prime Minister's Office, said he set up Ruam Thai Sang Chart as a fall-back in the event that PPRP does not nominate Gen Prayut as the next prime minister.

Last September there had been an attempt to overthrow the prime minister during the censure debate and pressure against him continued within PPRP, Mr Seksakol said.

"A group of people is always trying political tactics. This is unacceptable. As an assistant to the prime minister I have taken care of his political affairs for three years," he said.

"If I do nothing or fail to find a way out and the Palang Pracharath Party does not nominate him for prime minister, will the prime minister have a way out?"

He said he could not tolerate Gen Prayut facing pressure alone in PPRP.

Asked if the new political party belonged to Gen Prayut, Mr Seksakol said he would not say that.

But Gen Prayut agreed with the name of the party, which was his motto while working as the prime minister, he said. Ruam Thai Sang Chart translates as Thais United In Building The Nation.

Mr Seksakol said that many people wanted to join the new party. He expected the MPs who were elected because of Gen Prayut's popularity would join.

He confirmed he planned to invite Gen Prayut to lead the new party. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...come-pm-prayut

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Prayut orders close watch on borders, crackdown on call-centre scammers

Soldiers nabbed 264 illegal Myanmar migrants trying to sneak across the Kanchanaburi border in eight instances over Friday and Saturday. These migrants apparently relied on four Thai men, who were also arrested.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered relevant agencies to monitor Thailand’s porous borders more closely and take stringent action against human traffickers.

“Tight patrols need to be put in place along Thailand’s borders and natural channels. Nobody should be allowed to get away, not even if they are government officials,” government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana quoted the premier as saying.

Apart from tackling the human-trafficking problem, the prime minister has also called on authorities to crack down on call-centre scammers.

These scammers generally make intimidating phone calls to people and scare them into transferring money. Prayut advised people to not get talked into transferring money or investing in get-rich-quick schemes offered by strangers.

Instead, he said, people should consult with government officials or local police first.

They can also seek advice from cyber police by calling (081) 866 3000. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40012285

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PM assures debate won't be sabotaged

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted the government remains firmly united and that it will not be subject to sabotage in a two-day general debate starting on Thursday.

Gen Prayut said there are no "moles" bent on breaking the government up.

He was responding to media questions over concerns made by some that the government may be vulnerable to a possible attack during the debate.

Although the debate will proceed without a no-confidence vote at the end of the session, the government is politically vulnerable to an attack from some of the 18 lawmakers who used to serve in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), according to observers.

The 18 MPs -- who have since applied for membership of the Setthakij Thai Party -- were recently expelled from the PPRP for threatening to cause trouble if the party did not overhaul the executive line-up. Originally, 21 MPs, including the group leader and former PPRP secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow, were expelled.

However, three of them -- Ekkarat Changlao, a list MP; Watthana Changlao, a Khon Kaen MP; and Somsak Pankasem, a Nakhon Ratchasima MP -- have since moved to the coalition Bhumjaithai Party.

On Tuesday, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Gen Prayut has instructed cabinet ministers to answer the opposition's questions during the debate.

Even though no vote will be cast in the debate, it will provide a good opportunity for the government to tell the public how it is addressing important problems, according to the spokesman.

Looking to a planned no-confidence debate likely to be tabled by the opposition in May, Mr Thanakorn said Gen Prayut was free of concerns.

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has denied he specifically stated that there will be at least 260 MPs backing the government in the no-confidence debate. Mr Anutin, also deputy prime minister and public health minister, stated that all he said was he would do his best to maintain stability. At least 239 MPs are required by the government to have a House majority.

PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon reaffirmed the 18 MPs in the Thamanat faction were on the government's side although he admitted he could not control them. "No matter where they have moved to, they are still coalition members," said Gen Prawit who is also a deputy prime minister. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...t-be-sabotaged

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Prayut asks for Anutin's support

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday asked Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, to affirm his continuing support for him and the coalition as rumours of a rift continue to circulate.

After a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, Gen Prayut met Mr Anutin behind closed doors to discuss preparations for the opposition parties' motionless debate on Feb 17-18, a source said.

Also present were Transport Minister and Bhumjaithai secretary-general Saksayam Chidchob and Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn of the Palang Pracharath Party.

During the discussion, Gen Prayut asked Mr Anutin for support. "Noo, I would appreciate if you could help,'' the source quoted the PM as saying. Noo is Mr Anutin's nickname.

Afterwards, Gen Prayut gave his daily press briefing flanked by the two Bhumjaithai ministers.

Asked by reporters if the air between them had now been cleared, Gen Prayut said : "What do I have to clear the air about?".

Reporters then referenced the alleged disagreement over a controversial proposal to extend the Green Line railway concession, to which Gen Prayut replied that the cabinet will decide on the matter in line with the law.

In comments made following all seven Bhumjaithai cabinet members' absence from Tuesday's meeting to discuss the plan, Mr Anutin had said that his contingent would abstain from any vote on the proposal by the Interior Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to extend the concession.

The party had made its position clear in writing and had preferred not to risk inflaming the situation any further at the meeting, said Mr Anutin.

The absence of enough MPs to prevent a quorum, prompting the collapse of a number of House sessions, has begun to pose a serious threat to the passage of key bills and hint at divisions which could affect the government's stability.

In some cases, it has appeared that MPs were in the chamber but had refused to declare their presence.

Mr Chaiwut also revealed on Friday that Gen Prayut discussed with Mr Anutin ways they could prevent similar absentee-led impasses from disrupting government business during future House sessions.

The prime minister asked Mr Anutin to ensure he could count on solidarity from Bhumjaithai Party MPs during votes in parliament up until the end of the coalition's tenure in March next year, Mr Chaiwut said.

"The government will complete its term. We will help each other. There is no problem," Mr Chaiwut said.

Mr Anutin also downplayed speculation of an early House dissolution and stressed that all coalition parties are focusing on working together for the benefit of the nation and not their own interests.

Meanwhile, Mr Saksayam said on Friday that the party is investigating whether the proposal to extend the Green Line concession is in line with the law, and that its cabinet members will attend this Tuesday's meeting, although they would still abstain from from any vote on the matter.

"I insist that we will not walk away from the coalition government. They are different issues," Mr Saksayam said.

Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said that business operators are concerned that a lack of unity among the coalition parties will hinder efforts to steer the country forward and help people affected by the economic problems caused by the pandemic, Mr Supant said.

"We hope that unity in the government coalition will soon be restored," he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...nutins-support

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PM 'ready' to host Apec

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced his readiness to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum this November, which will be held under the theme "Open, Connect, Balance".

Gen Prayut said at a news conference on Thursday that as the host of this year's forum, Thailand will be prioritising inclusive and sustainable post-pandemic recovery.

Next week, Thailand and other Apec members will hold their first meeting, which will determine this year's agenda and review the implementation of the previously agreed Aotearoa Plan of Action. The plan will guide Apec's actions for the next 20 years.

The premier said in order to achieve Apec's goals, continuous cooperation and meaningful efforts are needed -- stressing the need for the United States and Peru, which will host the forum in 2023 and 2024, respectively, to continue Thailand's efforts.

"Together, the forum will achieve an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community for their people and future generations," the PM said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...y-to-host-apec

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Prayut boasts of economic prowess

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted that Thailand is better able to deal with inflation and the rising cost of living than other countries, amid criticism of the government's failure to handle the problems.

In a post on his official Facebook account, Gen Prayut wrote that inflation and the high prices of goods caused by the economic impacts of Covid-19 are a major concern for the public, and the government is stepping up efforts to address the problems.

Gen Prayut explained that he took to Facebook to elaborate on what he earlier presented during a general debate in parliament. The two-day debate wrapped up without a vote on Friday.

Gen Prayut wrote that surging inflation and the high prices for a wide range of goods, particularly last year, are unprecedented since World War II. Output and demand for goods and services have also changed dramatically.

Last year, Thailand's inflation rate was at 1.2%, compared to India's 10.6%, the US's 4.7%, Japan's 2.6%, Malaysia's 2.5%, Singapore's 2.3% and Vietnam's 1.9%, the prime minister posted.

He further pointed out factors contributing to global inflation such as virus containment measures, particularly city lockdowns which restrict business operations, and travel curbs which disrupt goods transport and logistics, thus driving up transport and sea freight fees.

"Compared with other countries, the impacts on Thais are less severe," he wrote, citing diesel prices in Thailand have risen by only 20% compared to 30% in the UK and 46% in the US.

He continued: "Last year, electricity fee rates remained unchanged, but in the UK, the fees increased two-fold. Global food prices also soared by 28% last year, as opposed to those in Thailand which rose by only 0.77%."

Regarding global trade, Gen Prayut said the government has been seeking opportunities by boosting exports of agricultural produce worth more than 63 billion baht.

In total, the value of Thai exports amounted to more than 191 billion baht last year, Gen Prayut wrote, adding that the government has set itself the task of tackling household debt this year with the aid of the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform (TPMAP), a data analytics tool, to combat poverty issues in all regions of Thailand.

The government will also devise measures to support debt settlement and restructuring as well as to help small- and medium-sized firms and micro entrepreneurs gain access to funding.

"I believe efforts to ease the debt problem will deliver tangible results this year," the prime minister wrote.

"In summary, while other countries are experiencing inflation and high prices similar to Thailand, the information and figures I present are proof that Thailand is better able to deal with the problems than most countries.

"This is not a coincidence. Rather, it is the outcome of government efforts and advance preparations. Most importantly, it is the result of collaboration among all sectors and all Thai people," Gen Prayut posted.

Gen Prayut likewise pointed out that it is necessary for the government to spend significantly to deal with the crisis.

During Friday's general debate, opposition MPs lambasted the government for failing to tackle skyrocketing costs.

Wan Ubamrung, a Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok, said the economy has fared poorly under the government, with the cost of living skyrocketing.

He also accused the government of failing to crack down on illicit drug trafficking gangs.

Ekkachai Songamnartcharoen, a Pheu Thai MP for Ubon Ratchathani, said the government has paid little attention to problems affecting farmers. He further insisted that Thailand agricultural sector competitiveness has declined since the government took office. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...onomic-prowess

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Prayut downplays Bhumjaithai threat to quit govt

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has brushed aside a Bhumjaithai member's threat that the party will leave the coalition, if the government refuses to support the bill promoting cannabis as a cash crop.

Gen Prayut said on Monday that the government is doing everything in its power to have the bill debated in parliament.

"We're taking all the necessary steps to push the bill through. If the government did not support the bill, it wouldn't be where it is now," the prime minister said.

The bill initiated by Bhumjaithai will see the cannabis plant recognised as a cash crop with medicinal and economic benefits.

Two weeks ago, House Speaker Chuan Leekpai said that the bill must be endorsed by the prime minister before it can be deliberated in parliament, since it contains clauses that concern state finances.

When asked to respond to Mr Supachai's threat, Gen Prayut said, "Who was that threat meant for? Me?", before saying people should "take it easy" on the political talk.

Public Health Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said he had no problem with Mr Supachai's comment but noted that it may have gone overboard.

Mr Anutin said Mr Supachai's remark does not reflect the party's stance.

"No one should be too concerned about the bill," said Mr Anutin.

The legislation got off to a fine start as many MPs from the both the government and opposition blocs had pledged to support it, he added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...uit-government

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Prayut again vows to stay until March 2022

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has vowed to stay on as premier to complete the government's term in March next year, says a source in the Defence Ministry.

Gen Prayut, who is also defence minister, made the remark at a remote meeting of armed forces leaders on Thursday.

"I'll keep fighting and working until the government's tenure ends," the source quoted Gen Prayut as saying.

Another source confirmed the premier has no plan to call an early election by dissolving the House and thus escape the no-confidence debate which the opposition is preparing to launch against the government in May when parliament reconvenes.

Gen Prayut remains adamant that he has the unwavering support of the coalition parties.

Gen Prayut's goal was to carry on working as prime minister long enough to host this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in November with the theme "Open. Connect. Balance".

Thailand has hosted the Apec summit on two previous occasions: in 1992 when Anand Panyarachun was the prime minister and in 2003 during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.

The source said Gen Prayut also will take trips to the provinces to inspect progress in major government projects, starting with Rayong on Monday.

He will tour the phase-three expansion of the Map Ta Phut industrial port and meet fishermen in Ban Ta Kuan affected by recent oil spills in Muang district.

In a related development, three of six bills to amend the organic law on political parties passed their first reading in parliament on Friday.

The bills will now be integrated with one sponsored by the cabinet adopted as the core bill for scrutiny.

The most heavily debated issues were complicated requirements surrounding primary elections and the nomination process.

The opposition also sought to remove a clause pertaining to the dissolution of parties.

The bills were admitted soon after bills seeking to amend the law on the election of MPs cleared their first reading.

A House committee will study the draft amendments. Parliament has up to 180 days to enact the bills. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ay-until-march

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don't think he's finished yet

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seems everyone loves the Thai PM

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most everyone anyway

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PM warns restaurants to strictly enforce Covid-19 prevention measures

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha warned restaurants to strictly follow Covid-19 prevention rules and ordered related organisations to carry out inspections.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday that Prayut instructed the public, service providers and restaurant operators, especially restaurants with live music, to follow Public Health Ministry measures that include a Covid Free Setting and universal prevention.

There have been reports that many restaurants had eased up on enforcing strict health measures especially after the government gave them the green light to allow musicians to perform live.

Legal action will be taken against restaurant operators who do not follow or abide by strict Covid prevention measures, Thanakorn warned.

The spokesman said infections have increased recently due to gatherings in which people fail to wear masks or “talk out loud” in closed rooms.

He said many have failed to follow prevention measures because Omicron is not as severe as the other variants.

Thanakorn urged the public to strictly abide by anti-Covid measures to keep the virus from spreading further, which might lead to more fatalities. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012938

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PM orders govt agencies on alert to cope with tropical storms

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered all government agencies to ready emergency relief measures to cope with storms set to hit the country from today until Tuesday (March 6-8).

Prayut is concerned for the safety of people in the lower Northeast, Central Region and East, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

The PM wanted people to avoid open spaces, large trees, billboards and unstable structures during the storms, Thanakorn said. Prayut also warned farmers to defend their crops against storm damage, he added.

Government agencies were also ordered to issue warnings that give people time to protect themselves from the extreme weather.

Meanwhile local administrations were instructed to check and secure billboards, buildings and large trees ahead of the coming storms.

Separately, the prime minister was informed that Narathiwat was now free of floods and the situation had returned to normal, Thanakorn said.

He said officials in the southern province were speeding up efforts to survey damage, repair houses and clean up now that the floods have subsided. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013098

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Prayut's dinner invitation mystifies coalition leaders

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is hosting a special dinner get-together for leaders of coalition parties at the five-star Rajpruek Club in the centre of Bangkok on Tuesday evening.

Ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan confirmed he was attending, but declined to say whether Thai Economic Party MP Thamanat Prompao will be present.

Thamanat and 19 other PPRP MPs were expelled from the party in January for allegedly conspiring to oust Prayut.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party, said he too would be attending but said he had no idea why Prayut was hosting this informal get-together.

He said he had been informed of the dinner by one of Prayut’s close aides on Monday evening.

“I was told that the premier had invited leaders and secretaries-general of coalition partners to this informal meeting,” Anutin said. “I think this get-together is good because coalition leaders have not met in an unofficial setting for a long time.”

When asked if he thought Prayut wanted coalition leaders to strengthen ties, Anutin said the coalition leaders were already getting along well, so there was no reason to hold a special gathering for that purpose.

“I think the meeting is for us to update one another to see who has done what and what we plan to do next,” Anutin said.

When asked if the coalition leaders were to discuss a plan for coping with future censure debates, Anutin said coalition partners were always supposed to vote for Cabinet members “unless the censure targets cannot answer questions or have hurt the country through actions like corruption”.

As for whether Thamanat would join, Anutin said he does not know if the Thai Economic Party has been invited and that reporters should ask the host himself.

“Today we are guests. It’s good to have such casual meetings often. I may propose that we take turns in hosting get-togethers so we can meet one another outside the work setting more often,” he said.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said Chart Thai Pattana Party leader, Kanchana Silpa-archa, had asked him to attend on her behalf with party secretary-general Deputy Agriculture Minister Praphat Pothasuthon. Kanchana is Varawut’s sister.

“We’ll represent the party at the dinner. This is good for cooperation and does not matter what the get-together is being held for,” Varawut said. “The coalition leaders have not dined together for a while now.”

He said this unofficial meeting was a good chance for coalition leaders to talk to each other and iron out differences or plan how problems can be solved in the future.

Varawut said he personally had no issues to raise with Prayut because Chart Thai Pattana was doing its best in running the ministries it had been assigned.

However, he said he believes the get-together is being held to send out a signal that all coalition partners are on the same boat and will help one another to steer the boat through this government’s four-year term. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013176