Prayut returns as prime minister

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PM to be on first flight into Betong airport

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will be aboard the first flight into the new airport at Betong in southern Yala province when it opens on Monday, according to the government spokesman.

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Friday that Gen Prayut would preside over the inauguration ceremony in the passenger terminal of the airport, which is in Betong district.

Construction of Betong airport started in 2017 and was completed in 2019. It has a 7,000-square-metre passenger terminal designed to serve about 300 passengers per hour.

The 1.8-kilometre-long runway is for small aircraft such as the turboprop ATR, which has 70-80 seats. The airport is close to the Malaysian border, but aircraft landing and takeoff paths are all in Thai skies.

The new airport would resolve travel obstacles for Betong district, which is surrounded by mountains, stimulate local tourism and improve security in the southern border provinces, Mr Thanakorn said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...betong-airport

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Prayut unimpressed by agencies’ boast of solving most public complaints

Though government agencies say they have settled more than 90 per cent of public complaints during the 2021 fiscal year, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants more efficiency in public services.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Sunday that 95,000 or 93.44 per cent of 101,691 public complaints received in 2021 had been resolved.

He added that the rest of the cases are being deliberated upon by concerned agencies.

The top five government agencies with the most complaints are:

• Finance Ministry (8,017)

• Royal Thai Police (4,901)

• Public Health Ministry (4,812)

• Labour Ministry (4,655)

• Transport Ministry (1,258)

The Government Savings Bank topped the list of state firms that received the most or 566 public complaints.

The top five administrative agencies that received the highest number of complaints are:

• Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (7,301)

• Nonthaburi (1,403)

• Samut Prakan (1,216)

• Pathum Thani (1,044)

• Chonburi (939)

The top 10 issues that the public had problems with last year are:

• Public health services, especially Covid-19 treatment

• Government projects, such as remedies for people affected by the Covid-19 crisis

• Rising cost of living

• Pollution, such as noise pollution from entertainment venues

• Telephone services

• Power outage

• Political incidents, including demonstrations

• Problems with water utilities

• Gambling dens

• Nuisance from road construction and road projects

The spokesman added that the prime minister also wanted government agencies to disseminate correct information to the public to counter fake news that may spark public dissatisfaction. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013346

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Prayut unimpressed by agencies’ boast of solving most public complaints

good he's calling them out

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hope it works

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• PM might not finish full term

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has for the first time refused to pledge that he will complete his term or outright deny the possibility of an early House dissolution before the official end of his tenure in March next year.

When asked previously, the prime minister had indicated that there would be no early election and he would remain in office until March 2023 or beyond.

Gen Prayut was responding to comments reportedly made by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon during his meeting with representatives of small coalition parties on Monday at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation office on Phahon Yothin Road.

Gen Prawit is said to have told them the government needed the small parties' support until the Apec summit in November, after which there would likely be a House dissolution with a general election early in the new year.

The deputy prime minister on Tuesday admitted he talked about the possibility of a House dissolution, but said it just a personal opinion. The government would be at ease by then and he just thought the timeline made it a suitable period for a poll, regardless who would be at an advantage or disadvantage.

"House dissolution is for the prime minister alone to decide," he said.

The prime minister also said it was speculation on Gen Prawit's part. "We have talked. He told me it is the prime minister who makes decisions," he said.

Asked whether he intended to stay on to complete his term or would dissolve the House of Representatives after the Apec summit, Gen Prayut said he saw no reason to talk about that right now.

"It is up to me to make a decision. Why should I tell anyone in advance? The situation will be the deciding factor," Gen Prayut said. Everyone should put the country first, he added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...nish-full-term

• Government plans package to mitigate impact from rising energy prices: PM

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday that the government is considering a subsidy package to mitigate the impact from rising prices of cooking gas on the poor and small foods and drinks shops.

Prayut said his government would launch measures to reduce the cost of LPG, or cooking gas, for the poor who are using state welfare card, and for food shops and drink shops that have joined the co-payment scheme.

The government is also considering ways to help lower the power bills for the poor and subsidise the cost of petrol for taxi motorcyclists, the prime minister added.

He said the government would also seek cooperation from the distributor of NGV gas to maintain the current prices until the energy price crisis eases.

“The government is considering how to help low-income and sensitive groups via the state welfare card system,” Prayut said.

“We are also discussing measures to subsidise the price of LPG for state welfare card holders as well.”

The prime minister said the government is closely monitoring the energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war.

He said the government would try to cap retail diesel price at Bt30 per litre for as long as possible.

“Now the Oil Fund has been used to subsidise the diesel price until it slides into deficit, so we’re trying to find other funding sources for providing this susbidy. We’ll do it as long as permitted by the budget and we’ll use other measures as well,” Prayut said.

The prime minister said he had instructed the Social Security Fund to consider measures to help employers and employees reduce their operation costs and cost of living as well as find measures to tackle labour shortage in certain industries.

Prayut said the Agriculture and Commerce ministries and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board are jointly considering measures to help farmers cope with the rising prices of animal feed and fertilisers.

“We have been discussing these measures since last week. We’re still discussing the measures before they will be sent to government agencies concerned before they are approved by the Cabinet,” Prayut said. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013459

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Open-air concerts can be held under strict prevention measures: PM

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has given the go-ahead to open-air concerts, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday.

Prayut, who chaired the meeting, said concert organisers must first seek approval from the authorities and only open-air venues will be approved.

The number of concert-goers will also be restricted and venues will be required to strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures, including wearing masks, the PM added.

“We haven’t approved the holding of concerts in halls or closed areas yet,” Prayut said.

“Also, don’t declare that the CCSA now allows people to remove their facemask. The CCSA has not abolished that measure yet. Some people say things in advance and cause confusion,” he added.

Prayut also said that organisers of Songkran celebrations should follow Covid-19 measures strictly, and if any venue is spotted violating measures, it will be closed immediately.

The PM added that the government has enough medicines and hospital beds to deal with an outbreak and also has more than 3 million vaccine doses in stock for boosters, but not many people are interested.

“So, today [Friday] I instructed officials to go out and vaccinate high-risk people, especially in areas where Songkran festivities will take place,” Prayut said.

He added that the government still has many steps to take before Covid-19 can be declared endemic. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013538

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Songkran to test Covid-19 curbs

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed provincial governors to devise measures to contain Covid-19 over Songkran as health officials warned daily caseloads could top 100,000 after the festival unless precautions are taken.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Friday Gen Prayut ordered provincial governors and public health officers to prepare for the inter-provincial movement of people returning to their home provinces as daily infections continue to soar.

People have been urged to strictly follow precautions particularly when they visit their elderly relatives and take part in family gatherings.

Family activities should be held in well-ventilated areas and participants should take an antigen test before participating.

Most importantly, elderly people must be fully vaccinated ahead of the festival to avoid the risk of getting infected, the spokesman said, adding public festivities must be held in line with Covid-19 Free Setting guidelines.

Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Department of Health (DOH), said the Public Health Ministry has forecast that daily infections could hit 100,000 after Songkran unless measures are taken.

According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), this milestone could be reached by the middle of next month in the worst-case scenario.

Precautions include refraining from group activities where possible, working from home more, delaying non-essential travel, maintaining a high vaccination rate and practicing the VUCA (Vaccine, Universal Prevention, Covid-19 Free Setting and ATK) measures.

The DDC said the most optimistic outlook is one where these precautions are fully implemented, in which case daily infections would taper off to around 20,000 from the middle of this month.

In a less optimistic outlook, daily caseloads may rise to 50,000 ahead of Songkran.

In the worst-case scenario, with precautions used sparingly, infections may spike to 100,000 a day until the middle of April, said the DDC.

Somchai Tukaew, director of the DOH's health impact assessment division, said Songkran will be allowed to proceed partly because more than 70% of Thais have been vaccinated while the symptoms caused by the virus are becoming less severe.

Restrictions have been gradually relaxed under a plan to downgrade the Covid-19 pandemic to endemic status, he said.

However, the DOH has advised at-risk groups including the elderly and those with underlying health problems to get booster shots at least seven days ahead of Songkran.

Participants in festivities should take an antigen test 72 hours in advance, Mr Somchai added.

After Songkran, returnees from their home provinces are advised to monitor themselves for up to 10 days.

If they develop any suspicious symptoms, they must take an antigen test and avoid meeting people, Mr Somchai said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...covid-19-curbs

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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed provincial governors to devise measures to contain Covid-19 over Songkran

I would be surprised if the numbers don’t increase anyway

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PM demands strict following of Covid-19 safety measures during Songkran

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned all sectors to strictly follow the measures for containing the spread of Covid-19 ahead of and during the Songkran holidays so that the number of infections would not surge.

Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana quoted Prayut as warning that all sides must strictly observe four measures:

- All people must get the Covid-19 vaccine or booster dose as soon as possible.

- People must always protect themselves by wearing masks, and washing their hands regularly.

- Avoid risky places .

- Regularly monitor their health using antigen testing kits.

The prime minister also warned business places to always use Covid-free settings by regularly testing their staff and visitors with ATKs.

The spokesman said Prayut has also instructed public health agencies to be prepared for a possible surge of infections by making arrangements for testing and treating patients to prevent deaths and minimising the spread. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013916

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Avoid risky places.

Songkran

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possible surge

more than likely

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Closer to definitely

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• PM gets more support for extra term

The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (Uniting Thais to Build the Nation) will ally itself with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to support Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha carry on as premier after the next election, said party founder Seksakol Atthawong, an aide to the prime minister.

Asked by reporters whether both parties will vie for votes at the next election even if they back Gen Prayut, Mr Seksakol said it should be left to voters to decide which party they will vote for.

But the two parties will be allies, Mr Seksakol said, adding that he personally respects Deputy Prime Minister and PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon.

"I confirm that there is no conflict [between the two parties]. If the PPRP is to support Gen Prayut for the same role once again, Ruam Thai Sang Chart will work in parallel to recruit more party members," Mr Seksakol said.

"Voters can vote for either the PPRP or Ruam Thai Sang Chart. We are allies because we will join the PPRP to back Gen Prayut to serve another term," he said.

"In the event Gen Prayut decides to wash his hands of politics, we will then look at other candidates."

Ruam Thai Sang Chart first received public attention early last year, after claims surfaced that the party was set up as an alternative to the PPRP, should it encounter legal troubles.

Mr Seksakol previously admitted the party is a backup plan in case the PPRP chooses to nominate another PM candidate in the next election, in light of the plot to topple Gen Prayut as PM in last September's censure debate and continued attempts to pressure him by MPs.

Meanwhile, Ruam Thai Sang Chart on Thursday held a general assembly to elect a new executive board.

Thanthornthep Yaem-uthai, was elected party leader while Thanadee Hongrattana-uthai was named the party's secretary-general. Thirapol Maliwan was elected as the party's treasurer and Chairat Chanthanadit was named as the party's registrar. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...for-extra-term

• PM defends raids on lottery vendors

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha defended a crackdown on overpriced lottery ticket vendors on Tuesday, saying it was part of the government's efforts to stop people abusing the law and was not politically motivated.

Gen Prayut said the government was facing increased public pressure to resolve the issue of overpriced tickets.

"Stop talking about the five tigers. [That quota] was scrapped long ago. The tickets are now distributed directly to registered vendors who have grouped together. We will keep working on it and we are monitoring them," he said.

In mentioning the "five tigers", Gen Prayut was referring to the large distributors that won the bulk of ticket distribution quotas from the Government Lottery Office (GLO) for an extended period. These five private groups effectively controlled lottery tickets under the previous quota system and were often blamed for the inflated ticket prices, as they had to pass through several large vendors before reaching retail vendors.

"There are no 'five tigers' or special quotas anymore. The quotas are now in line with the new GLO regulations after the National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] came in. It has nothing to do with politics. It's something the government has to do," he said.

His comments follow recent police raids on two online lottery vendors suspected of selling overpriced tickets: Kong Salak Plus in Bangkok's Watthana district, and Bluedragon Lottery Company in Nonthaburi's Pak Kret district together with its subsidiary in Loei's Muang district.

Meanwhile Lertsak Pattanachaikul, the Pheu Thai Party's MP for Loei, on Tuesday denied any involvement with the Bluedragon vendor or Muang Loei United Football Club, despite allegations to the contrary. Although he co-founded the club, he has nothing to do with its operations, he said.

The club was implicated when Seksakol Atthawong, an aide to the prime minister who leads a sub-committee tasked with investigating the irregular pricing of lottery tickets, said a football club in Loei was being sponsored by Bluedragon.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said the assistant national police chief, Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, has asked the ministry to seek a court order to block access to Bluedragon's website.

In last week's raids, police seized 2 million lottery tickets. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ottery-vendors

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I've done my best, says Prayut

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted he has tried his best during his time as the country's leader and said he will respect the decision of voters if they don't give him the chance to serve another term at the next election.

"I am trying to do my job to the best of my ability. Despite criticism and insults against me, I hold no grudge against anyone," Gen Prayut said at a media briefing at Government House on Wednesday.

"I cannot please everyone, but I have to act for the benefit of most people," he said. "If I have a chance, I will carry on. If not, I will just go back home. That's all."

The prime minister also dismissed criticism that his visit to vendors at Saphan Khao market on Lan Luang road in Dusit district on Tuesday was a disguised attempt to canvass for any particular candidate running in the Bangkok governor election.

Gen Prayut said he only wanted to visit people and offer them some moral support during this period of economic hardship.

"I told them I am doing all I can to help them. I know people are experiencing hardship and unhappiness. Therefore, as a prime minister, how can I be happy?" he said.

"I receive reports 24 hours every day. I also get information from social media. I know how people are suffering.

"The government is trying to tackle problems, though we may not yet achieve 100% of our goals and not everyone is satisfied with it. But we have to admit that the crisis is unprecedented," Gen Prayut said, referring to the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact of rising fuel prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"This must be taken into account and the government should be given fair treatment," he said.

Gen Prayut said he will try to find time to visit more people and give them his support, regardless of whether they support him or not.

"I am not doing everything just for the sake of canvassing for votes," he said.

The prime minister said he preferred making a visit without any prior announcement to avoid confrontation with any protest groups that might heckle him.

"Problems often arise if such a visit is declared in advance. Therefore, I have to find a chance to visit myself. But I also have to heed advice from officials responsible for security arrangements," the prime minister said.

Gen Prayut also warned against any attempts to stir up political conflicts and said the government is duty-bound to maintain peace and order.

The prime minister said that projects initiated by the government are intended to respond to the needs of people regardless of which political party they support.

Gen Prayut previously shrugged off poll results on potential candidates, by the National Institute of Development Administration released Sunday, that suggested his popularity was waning and insisted the government has fared well in running the country.

According to the poll, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat outpolled Gen Prayut -- 13.42% to 12.67% -- for the post of prime minister. Gen Prayut's popularity plummeted from the 16.9% received in December. However, a number larger than the two candidates' scores combined, (27.62%) said none of the options presented were suitable for the post, the poll found. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...st-says-prayut

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^might not be good enough