Chavalit celebrates 85th birthday, backs submarine buy

Chavalit celebrates 85th birthday, backs submarine buy

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh opens his residence in Nonthaburi on Sunday for close associates in political, business and military circles to visit and give him their birthday wishes. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh opens his residence in Nonthaburi on Sunday for close associates in political, business and military circles to visit and give him their birthday wishes. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

As he prepared to celebrate his 85th birthday, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Sunday expressed sympathy for the government over harsh criticism over its plan to buy submarines from China.

He also voiced his belief that the government under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha would be successful in its reconciliation efforts and would lead the country to a general election.

The former prime minister on Sunday morning opened his residence in Soi Pin Prapakhom in Muang district of Nonthaburi province for close associates in political, business and military circles to visit and give him their birthday wishes.

Gen Chavalit will turn 85 on Monday, May 15.

Those who attended the gathering included Suchart Thadathamrongvej, a former education minister; Udomdej Rattanasathien, a former Pheu Thai MP; Gen Nathapan Wattanawiboon, a former armed forces chief-of-staff; and his former close aides Gen Wichit Yathip and Maj Gen Sornchai Montriwat.

Gen Chavalit, who appeared with a walking stick, told the well-wishers about a fall which put him in hospital for more than six months for treatment.  He said the accident affected his memory and prevented him from monitoring the situation in the country closely.

For this reason, he declined to comment on the performance of the government over the past three years. However, he expressed belief that this government would definitely lead the country to an election, return the power to the people and care for the people's happiness.

As a former supreme commander, Gen Chavalit expressed sympathy for the government and the navy for having been criticised for the plan to buy submarines from China.  He said the acquisition of submarines was necessary, not only for combat readiness but also for the development of human resources for the country's future.

On the recent bombs at the Big C superstore in Pattani province, Gen Chavalit said the incident indicated an internal rift between the Mara Patani, an umbrella organisation of insurgent groups that supports peace talks with Thai authorities, and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, a major insurgent group.

He insisted that it was necessary for the two sides to meet each other for face-to-face talks, instead of resorting to armed struggle.

Asked about the political future of the New Aspiration Party, a political party he once led, Gen Chavalit said he had no particular plans for the party for the time-being.  

However, he said he would be glad to see anyone who wanted to get his political advice.

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