The government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is not corrupt and honest people do not serve for their own gain or to protect close relatives, Privy Council president and statesman Prem Tinsulanonda said on Wednesday.
Gen Prem was speaking when Prime Minister Prayut, cabinet ministers, the military top brass and the police chief visited his Si Sao Thewes residence to give him their Songkran best wishes.
"I can say with full confidence that the government of the prime minister is not corrupt, because they truly work for the people in general. Honest people must have a broad vision and work for other people, not for themselves or to protect relatives close to them," Gen Prem said.
Whether or not Gen Prayut's government was seen as capable depended on people's view of it, Gen Prem said. Then he repeated twice more that the government of Gen Prayut was not corrupt.
He called Gen Prayut his beloved friend. He in turn gave his Songkran (Thai New Year) wish to Gen Prayut's delegation, saying he wished them to be strong and determined to work successfully for other people.
"I wish holy spirits to protect the prime minister and all of us. I wish the charisma of His Majesty the King will be the shield for us to do good for our nation," said Gen Prem, 98.
Gen Prayut said his delegation felt secure whenever they met Gen Prem at his residence. He said his delegation had developed good ties with each other since their time in military school, they remained determined to work for the nation, religion and the monarchy, and their loyalty to the monarch would never erode.