PM hails regime success a year on

PM hails regime success a year on

Taking everything into account, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is
Taking everything into account, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is "satisfied" with his performance, although many disagree. (Post Today photo)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed satisfaction with the achievements of his year-old regime, but said he was not proud of having to take the reins of power.

Speaking on the eve of the first anniversary of the coup, which took place on May 22 last year, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief said he has continuously evaluated his administration's performance.

The essence is to keep peace and order, solve urgent problems and tackle clogged budget disbursement, he said.

"I am satisfied [with our work] if we are evaluating it," Gen Prayut said. "Yet I am not proud to be in this position. Why should I have to stand here? Why did you not solve the problems before? Weren't you elected?" he said, directing his comments at previous administrations.

But he had not expected so many administrative problems, he said.

Problems can be tackled with concerted efforts by all parties, he said, adding that he uses a military style of administration to deal with issues.

He said all ministries must speed up efforts to improve their performance so they would not be criticised later.

Although the premier is satisfied with the regime's performance, particularly regarding security issues, and appears to have received public support over the past year, it is uncertain whether the regime will continue to enjoy this level of public support.

Anti-military protests so far have been sparse, with most of the regime's opponents limiting their campaigns to social media outlets.

Opinion polls show support for the regime has been widespread, as people are tired of the past political conflicts linked to street protests and violence, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.

Flashback Bangkok Post, May 23, 2014. The caption: In the driving seat: National Peace and Order Maintaining Council chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves the Army Club after announcing the coup. (Note: The NPOMC became the NCPO several days later.)

The NCPO will remain in power for some time longer, especially with the expected referendum on the draft constitution, which, if approved, would put off a general election until late next year.

Since the May 22 coup last year, there has been peace and order and people have felt relieved, though some groups are still trying to stir up violence, Gen Prawit said.

He insisted the premier and the NCPO would try their best to stick to their road map.

However, whether the map has to be tweaked depends on issues surrounding the draft constitution and referendum, he added. 

Some political groups have questioned the regime's effectiveness in handling the economy and reforms.

Suriyasai Katasila, leader of the Green Politics group, said the regime has so far failed to find ways to improve the economy as promised.

The activist, a lecturer at the College of Social Innovation at Rangsit University, said none of the military governments in the past performed well economically, and this is also the case with the current administration.

The government's performance was only outstanding in the security field, Mr Suriyasai said.

The regime has not only failed to tackle economic problems, but also shows no sign of trying to implement the promised reforms, which were a monumental issue leading to the coup, he said.

The reforms have so far failed to take shape as they lack any driving force from government, he said, adding that the administration pinned too much hope on civil servants, which has pushed the country backwards to where it was 30 years ago.

According to Mr Suriyasai, the NCPO and the government must ratchet up reforms to overcome failures and divisions, which have dragged on for decades.

"The price for the coup was a high one," said the activist, adding that if the regime does not find ways to bring stability without conflict, end division and unrest, the coup will be seen as "wasteful".

The regime must demonstrate how it plans to proceed with reforms, said Mr Suriyasai.

Before the NCPO returns power to the people, the premier must seriously review administrative work, including a cabinet shake-up of economic ministers, he said, as ministries continue to fail to reach tangible goals.

"The premier should pay serious attention to evaluating the performance of ministers," the activist said.

There is mounting pressure on the government to reach tangible outcomes in the regime's remaining time in power, said Mr Suriyasai.

If Gen Prayut turns a blind eye to reforms and lets the economy flounder, he will be responsible for raising the probability of another coup, Mr Suriyasai said.

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