Prem denies Saiyud 'understanding'

Prem denies Saiyud 'understanding'

A close aide to the Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda says his boss has not accepted the proposal of the "Man of State" group as claimed by its chairman.

Gen Saiyud Kerdphol, chairman of the group, claimed on Saturday that Gen Prem had agreed with his group's idea of seeking His Majesty the King's discretion in pulling the country out of the political crisis. 

The former supreme commander said Gen Prem had asked him to draft a royal command to that effect.

But on Monday Lt Gen Pissanu Buddhawong, Gen Prem's aide, said it was all a misunderstanding and that the issue had been cleared with Gen Saiyud.

Asked if Gen Prem would invite Gen Saiyud and the Man of State group for another meeting, Lt Gen Pissanu said there would be no more meetings on this issue.

The Man of State group was formed on Jan 28. In a video posted the following day, members said they believed the current crisis needs to be solved by the intervention of the army and His Majesty the King. 

The group consists mainly of retired high-ranking generals, government officials and academics.

They include former air force chief ACM Gun Pimarnthip, ex-army chief Gen Wimol Wongwanich, former naval commander Adm Vichet Karunyavanij, ex-naval chief of staff Gen Suravudh Maharom, lawyer Amorn Chantarasomboon, political science academics Pramote Nakhonthap and Chai-Anan Samudavanija, and former foreign minister Surapong Jayanama.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT